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

“So that was my only experience. And it wasn’t what I wanted or needed.” I kept my voice low and calm. “I wasn’t up to trying to find a real Dom. Because the one I wanted was next door the whole time.”


No reaction from Holden, but I’d come to expect that. I waited, trying not to hold my breath.


Finally, he spoke. “What kind of relationship are you looking for?” His question confused me, and I opened my mouth to ask, but he held up a hand, seeming to understand. “Do you want only a bedroom Dom? Just for sex and play? Do you want something more…intense? Twenty-four seven?”


Well, that seemed like two extremes, and neither was exactly what I wanted. I thought about it for a moment. “Somewhere in the middle?”


He nodded but it didn’t seem like he was agreeing. “Tell me what that looks like for you.”


Dammit. This talking thing was hard. I knew what I wanted. What I needed. But putting it into words wasn’t easy. Except Holden had told me to tell him, and I couldn’t disobey.


Chapter 11