When Jesse Reid needs emergency surgery, he calls his neighbor to come pick him up instead of one of his many family members. As the youngest of nine, Jesse is used to feeling like a leftover, and he doesn’t need their coddling.<br><br>Holden McRae is a big, beautiful man, everything Jesse wants. But Holden has made it clear he doesn’t want Jesse as a submissive.<br><br>Under the influence of Holden’s care, Jesse becomes bolder and makes Holden see what he’s been missing. The two men’s interests line up, and the attraction that has always been there is something they can finally act on. As Jesse heals, he shares parts of his life with Holden, and Holden helps him see he’s so much more than #9. Their love might not be the most conventional, but maybe it’s exactly what both men need.

Forever Nine

“Then I’ll go home. I’m not taking your bed.” I tried to sit up, but he placed a firm, warm hand on my chest. I could have moved, since he wasn’t holding me down exactly, but it would have been a struggle and that could tear my brand new stitches.


“It’s not taking if I give it to you. Now lie down, or I’ll tie you down.”


I sighed heavily, giving in. But only because I was suddenly too tired to do anything else. “Empty promise, that.”


Holden sucked in a sharp breath through his nose. “Jesus, kid.”


“Not a kid,” I spat, closing my eyes. I was done with this. I’d just sneak out after I got my strength back.


The mattress dipped, and I felt Holden loom over me. I cracked open my eyes enough to see his expression. There was confusion there, but also heat. And something else I couldn’t name.


Chapter 5