Shane has never managed to catch a break. His mother died when he was a teen and his father left home the day he turned eighteen. Then he met a man he thought would fulfill all his dreams. Little does he know that Tyler will plunge him into a nightmare of both physical and verbal abuse.<br><br>With his self-esteem destroyed and no friends to turn to, Shane lives every day in despair. But when they’re invited to a neighbour’s house for dinner, things begin looking up. Michael, their host, is no stranger to Shane, for they have often said hello over the fence.<br><br>But is he the one who will come to Shane’s rescue? Or will Tyler make sure their friendship goes no further than the dinner?

Something from Nothing

“What do you fancy?” asked Michael.


“Pizza, and I’ve already ordered it. Should be here in about fifteen minutes.”


Smiling, Michael hugged Shane, kissing him on the neck below the ear where he knew Shane liked to be kissed.


“How much do I owe you?” he whispered.


“Nothing,” said Shane. “My treat. I can’t afford much, but I can afford pizza. And I’m also going to pay rent.”


Michael leaned back from the embrace. He shook his head. “No, no, no, no, no.”


“Yes. I’m an adult. I earn a wage. I can pay my own way. I don’t need some sugar daddy to take care of me.”


Shane rested a hand on his forearm. “Sorry, that came out wrong. Really wrong. I’m not saying you’re a sugar daddy. What I meant was that I want to be able to buy you things when I can afford it. You enjoy making me happy. Let me enjoy making youhappy.”


Michael’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, too. I love the fact you want to buy me dinner. What did you get? Pepperoni?”


Chapter 25