Ian is intrigued by the idea of “servicing” straight guys, and through a friend contacts Shawn. Although the experience is not quite what he expected, Ian discovers a deep satisfaction in being submissive. Shawn, an amateur boxer, begins to visit more frequently, sometimes even sleeping over. Ian also visits Shawn at the gym to watch him train. The two men connect, and Ian is hopeful something more might develop. Then Shawn dies unexpectedly in Ian’s bed. Now Ian finds himself facing the suspicions of the investigating policeman, Glen, even though Shawn died from natural causes. When Glen returns to question Ian further, he begins asking for specific details about Ian’s and Shawn’s relationship. Then he insists on Ian performing re-enactments. Soon all pretense is stripped away as things grow more intense between them. Ian starts to hope something might be developing with Glen. But the cop is keeping secrets from him. Will Ian still be interested when he discovers why Glen initiated things between them in the first place?

The Pugilist at Rest

Then he lowered his head and for a second I thought he was going to kiss me. But at the last moment he turned away and gave a coarse laugh of derision. I felt hurt and puzzled but convinced it hadn’t been fully a deliberate tease.


Instead, he said, “I got more tattoos.” Then, looking at me in a sneering fashion, his lip curled, he said, “If you’re good, maybe—just maybe I’ll show you some of them.”


Then he punched me playfully on the shoulder, which hurt. 4: Blows


It was shortly after that when Shawn showed up with a black eye and evidence of bruising on his face. I knew that he didn’t like me staring at him, but the effect was so astonishing that I couldn’t help myself and, to my surprise, he grinned with satisfaction when he noticed me looking.


“A rough match,” he said, and for a moment, with that smile, I saw beautiful teeth and something of a boyishness that had hitherto been hidden.


Chapter 9