As a black belt, Tyler helps his students face their fears, but he has yet to come to terms with his own bisexuality. When he finds a new sparring partner in Jaime, an openly gay man struggling to find his place in the dojo, Tyler is surprised at how right it feels to be intertwined with him.<br><br>Determined to put his partying days behind him, Jaime returns to martial arts training and swears off one-night stands. He is finally ready to look for something more when Tyler approaches him with a request - help Tyler explore his new found sexuality. Their physical relationship intensifies in secret. It isn’t long before their time together becomes about something more than just sex.<br><br>Despite their growing closeness, Tyler refuses to acknowledge their relationship in public. Now Jaime must choose between returning to his former lifestyle and falling in love with someone afraid to embrace him in front of their friends. Tyler doesn’t want to lose Jaime as a student, much less as a lover, but can he overcome his fears and accept his new identity?

Spar

“Maybe after we have a word or two with Jaime.” Steve smirked.


“You got something to say to him, you can say it inside.”


“I don’t think so.” Steve’s demeanor hardened with anger. “Step aside. This is between me and the fag.”


Tyler visibly bristled. He seemed to always hate it when Jaime had used the word jokingly. Coming out ofSteve’s mouth there was no humor, only rage.


“What are you, his boyfriend?” Steve took a step toward Jaime.


The rest of the world condensed into the few feet between Steve and Jaime. They might be one punch away from a brawl, but all Jaime heard was Tyler’s words. It wasn’t exactly a declaration. It wasn’t a denial either. Tyler looked ready to defend Jaime at any cost, even if it meant revealing what he fearedanyone knowing. Jaime couldn’t let Tyler get hurt on his account.


“This isn’t your fight.” Jaime’s voice was low but steady as he placed a hand on Tyler’s shoulder.


Chapter 63