Page 11

Chapter eleven

Sawyer

As Rowan and Malik enjoyed Sawyer’s stories of the animals on the farm, Sawyer’s phone buzzed. He dug it out of his pocket and read the message.

Clayton: Meet me at the tent

Sawyer: On my way

“That was Clayton. Going to meet him at the tent,” Sawyer said.

“Want us to walk you there?” Rowan asked.

“No. I know where it is.”

“If you’re sure.” Sawyer nodded. “We’ll see you at the mess hall for dinner,” Malik said.

All three of them gave a fist punch.

The early evening air was cool and crisp as Sawyer made his way through the woods, the fading sunlight filtering through the trees in golden streaks. The message was brief. Clayton didn’t waste words, and Sawyer respected that. He adjusted his hair, his boots crashing softly against the forest floor, when a voice cut through the quiet.

“Hey there, Sawyer.”

Sawyer froze, his heart skipping a beat. He turned to see Owen, one of the older campers, leaning casually against a tree. Owen was in his late thirties, with a scruffy beard. Sawyer had seen him around camp but had never spoken to him. Something about the way Owen looked at people made Sawyer uneasy, like he was always sizing them up. The only reason Sawyer knew his name was everyone had to wear a rainbow Pride lanyard, with their name. His name was Owen Bricks. Sawyer would never forget his name or his ugly face.

“Uh, hi,” Sawyer said, forcing a polite smile. He shifted his weight, glancing toward the path that led to the tent. “I was just heading to—”

“No rush,” Owen interrupted, stepping closer. His voice was low, almost teasing. “You’re always so busy with your little friends. Never have time for the rest of us, huh?”

Sawyer’s stomach churned. He took a small step back, but Owen closed the distance between them, his grin widening. “I was just thinking,” Owen continued, his tone dripping with false casualness, “you’re a good-looking guy. Ever thought about having a little fun? My tent’s not far.”

Sawyer’s breath hitched. His mind raced, but his body felt frozen, like he was trapped in a nightmare. “I—I’m not interested,” he stammered, his voice trembling. “I’m meeting someone, so I should really—”

“Come on,” Owen said, his voice hardening. He reached out, grabbing Sawyer’s arm with a grip tighter than necessary. “Don’t be like that. You’re out here in the woods, all alone. Who’s gonna know?”

Panic surged through Sawyer as Owen walked him back against a tree, the rough bark digging into his back. Owen’s face was too close now, his breath hot and sour. Sawyer’s heart pounded in his chest, his hands shaking as he tried to push Owen away. “Stop!” he choked out, his voice cracking. “I don’t want—”

“How do you know you won’t like it?” Owen growled, his fingers digging into Sawyer’s shoulders. “Just relax.”

Tears stung Sawyer’s eyes as he opened his mouth to scream, but before he could make a sound, a voice cut through the tension like a knife.

“Get your hands off him.”

Owen froze, his grip loosening just enough for Sawyer to slip free. Clayton stood a few feet away, his broad frame silhouetted against the fading light. His expression was dark, his jaw clenched, and his eyes burned with a fury Sawyer had never seen before. Clayton stepped forward, his presence commanding and unyielding.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Clayton demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Owen backed away, holding up his hands in a mock gesture of innocence. “Hey, man, it was just a joke. No harm done, right?”

“Does it look like he’s laughing?” Clayton snapped, his gaze flicking to Sawyer, who moved away from the tree, his chest heaving. Clayton’s expression softened for a moment, but when he turned back to Owen, his eyes were like ice. “Get out of here. Now. You’re banned from the camp and Timberline. And if I ever see you near him—or anyone else—again, you’re gone. Understand?”

Owen hesitated, his bravado faltering under Clayton’s glare. He muttered something under his breath before turning and stalking off into the woods, his footsteps stomping angrily against the ground.

As soon as Owen was out of sight, Clayton turned to Sawyer, his expression shifting from anger to concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentler now.

Sawyer nodded shakily, his legs feeling like they might give out at any moment. “I…I think so,” he whispered. “I didn’t know what to do. He just—”

“Hey,” Clayton interrupted, stepping closer. He placed a hand on Sawyer’s shoulder, his touch firm but reassuring. “You don’t have to explain. That guy’s a creep, and he’s gone now. You’re safe.”

Sawyer swallowed hard, his throat tight. “Thanks,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t shown up.”

Clayton’s jaw tightened, but he gave Sawyer’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You don’t have to think about that. Come on, let’s get back to the tent. It would be best to walk with me or one of your new friends from here on in.”

Sawyer nodded, letting Clayton guide him away from the tree and back onto the path. His hands were still trembling, but with Clayton beside him, the fear ebbed, replaced by a shaky sense of relief. As they walked, Clayton took his hand, his presence a silent promise that no one would hurt him again.

Sawyer crawled into the tent with Clayton right behind him. Once they were both inside, Clayton inched closer and took him in his arms.

“I’m sorry, Sawyer. I didn’t think about you walking alone in the woods,” he whispered, his breath warm on Sawyer’s ear before leaning in to kiss his lips.

“Why would you? I’m an adult. That creep came out of nowhere.”

“Of course you are, but you’re not used to dealing with people hitting on you. We’ll talk about how you can stop shit like that.”

“I told him I wasn’t interested. That should have been enough.”

“Yes, in a world of all good people. I know that creep. He comes to Timberline on the weekends and tries to pick up guys, but he isn’t ever successful.”

“You know him and let him attend?” Sawyer’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Why?”

“In a bar or pub, guys always hit on other guys, but it doesn’t get out of hand with Jeff, Mark, or me around. I thought he was harmless, but I was wrong. He won’t come near you or the Timberline again.”

“So, do you think it was me causing this?” Sawyer wasn’t clear what Clayton meant at all. He needed to know if he had caused it or if Clayton thought he might have contributed to Owen’s behavior.

“No. You stood your ground, and I’m proud of you.”

“But he didn’t stop.”

“Some people are just assholes. He’s one of them, and it has nothing to do with you or your behavior.” Clayton cuddled Sawyer closer to him. “Where did you go after the mess hall?”

“We went to the lake and talked. I really like Rowan and Malik. I’ve never had friends like them.”

“We’re a tight group here, like family. I knew they would like you. Did you meet James yet?”

“No, he was on his way, but I didn’t meet him yet.”

“I called you here because I missed you and wanted to cuddle.”

“I got excited when I saw your text.”

“You’re so handsome. I love looking at you.”

“I like how you look at me.”

“I’ll keep looking if you’re okay with it.”

“I am. I wish we would make love in here soon. I want to know how it feels with you inside me.”

“I can’t wait to feel you too. We can try a few things to get you ready for me. If you want to, that is?”

“I want everything with you. I like taking it slow but, Clayton, I want this with you.”

“Me too. Do you want to go to the mess hall? Dinner is ready.”

Sawyer nodded.