Teach Me Bad - 5. Tues: Kayden

Kayden shuffled into McCullough Hall with his head down and his hands hidden in his sleeves. He’d emailed Dr. Tierney the night before about Jacob, under Audrey’s instructions, and she’d assured him he’d get a new lab partner in class today.

Kayden made a right for his chemistry lab and dragged his feet all the way. Even with the promise of a seat change, he was nervous. Jacob was going to be upset and Kayden wanted to avoid him completely.

When he reached the classroom, Jacob was seated at their usual table. Their eyes met and Kayden dropped his gaze and darted for the teacher’s desk. “Dr. Tierney…”

“Kayden.” Dr Tierney moved a stack of papers into her lecture bag. “I already found you a new lab partner. I talked to Duncan just a moment ago.”

“Duncan?”

“He’s seated across the aisle from your original place,” said the professor, clearing her desk of the remaining papers and writing implements. “He and his current lab partner are struggling with the material and I presented the seating change as an opportunity to better their grades.”

Kayden looked over his shoulder at the frat boy across from Jacob. Duncan was baby-faced, and dark- haired with a backwards cap. Kayden remembered him from last week, when he’d made faces at him and Jacob holding hands.

“Duncan’s partner, Billy, is going to take your place with Jacob,” Dr. Tierney said distractedly. “I’ll catch him when he comes in the door.”

Kayden worried his lip. “T-thank you.”

“Of course.” Dr. Tierney finished clearing her desk and steepled her hands before her. “I wouldn’t want your grades to suffer because of a lovers spat.”

Kayden’s face turned bright red.

“I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to come to me for help.”

“Yeah…”

“And I didn’t mention to Duncan that you’d broken up with Jacob,” Dr. Tierney said sympathetically. “I wanted to protect your privacy.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“We’ve got a difficult lab today. I hope you had a chance to review chapter six over the weekend.”

“I did,” Kayden murmured, then stepped away from the desk. “Thank you, Dr. Tierney.”

“No worries,” the professor winked.

Kayden risked a glance at Jacob as he took halting steps to the new table. Jacob followed him with his smart green eyes and Kayden quickly looked away. Duncan was seated closest to Jacob and when Kayden took his seat, Duncan was between them.

“Hello,” Kayden said shyly, setting his bag on the floor beside him. “I’m Kayden.”

“I know who you are,” Duncan said. “I’m not blind. You sat across the aisle for the past two months.”

“S-s-sorry—”

“Tierney says working with you will help my grade, so I agreed to it,” Duncan said bitterly. “But I know it’s for some stupid, gay reason, so I don’t want to talk outside of lab.”

Kayden’s cheeks got hot. “Alright…”

“I read chapter six twice this weekend.” Duncan moodily opened his chemistry book. “And I already started on part one of the assignment.”

Kayden got his book out and hurried to find the right page. “Could I s-see at what you wrote down?”

Duncan gave him a loaded look, then slid his notebook across the table.

They were studying LeChatelier’s Principle and they would be testing reactions with colored products. Kayden read through Duncan’s explanation of the procedure.

“This is correct, but you should add something about equilibrium.”

Duncan took his notebook back. “What do you mean?”

“We’ll have to write the chemical equations for the reactions we observe today,” Kayden said. “When the forward and reverse reactions proceed at equal rates, then they’ve reached equilibrium, and we’ll show that using a double headed arrow.”

Duncan jotted that down.

Billy, a black guy in a Kappa Kappa shirt, walked into the room and spotted Kayden in his seat. He frowned, then started for the table, but Dr. Tierney got up to intervene before he could get past her desk.

“Billy’s a waste of space,” Duncan said under his breath. “He’s always dicking around with the measurements and arguing with me over formulas, like he knows what he’s talking about. Jacob’s got his hands full.”

Kayden glanced in Jacob’s direction again. There was a scowl on his face as he assessed his new lab partner and Kayden felt extremely uncomfortable.

“I don’t get it.” Duncan leaned back in his chair and played with his cap. “Why’d you switch partners? I thought you and Jacob were hooking up.”

“No!” Kayden gasped. “Why would you think that?!”

“I saw you guys holding hands the other day,” Duncan sneered.

“I didn’t want to do that,” Kayden said, his cheeks filling with color. “He grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let me go!”

Duncan snorted. “Jacob’s really pushy, isn’t he?”

Kayden nodded. “He’s been pushing me to date him since he found out I’m g-gay.”

“So you are gay,” Duncan murmured. “Wait, I’m confused. So, why don’t you like Jacob?”

“Because I like someone else!” Kayden hissed. “I turned Jacob down and he won’t take no for an answer. He keeps grabbing me and trying to pressure me to go out with him!”

“That sounds like Jacob alright,” Duncan laughed.

Kayden wanted to ask what he was talking about, but Billy had finished his whispered conversation with Dr. Tierney, and he found a seat beside Jacob. Neither of them looked especially happy about the change in seating, but Jacob was the most affected. He angrily pushed a hand through his hair, then slouched dejectedly over his book.

“Alright class let’s briefly go over today’s lab,” Dr. Tierney called out and the conversations around the room began to die down.

Kayden realized someone would have to collect their equipment as she spoke and he glanced at Jacob again.

Jacob had his head in his book and Kayden was able to study the side of his face. Jacob was certainly handsome, but he was also creepy, and Kayden was determined to avoid another uncomfortable conversation. “Well, let’s get started everyone,” Dr. Tierney said cheerfully, and Kayden snapped out of his daze as his classmates filtered into the back corner for supplies.

He began to panic, and then Jacob stood across the aisle and turned for the supply cabinet. He met Kayden’s eyes as he walked between the tables and Kayden slipped down in his seat and out of sight.

“I’ll take the awkward silence as a ‘you get the supplies, Duncan’,” Duncan sneered, pushing his chair back with a grunt. “My girlfriend does that shit to me, too.”

Kayden watched the other boy stomp into the aisle. Then, shakily, he leaned over his notebook to draw up his data chart for the lesson. He kept his head down until Duncan returned with solutions in vials and dual pairs of safety supplies.

“I’m s-sorry I’m so out of it.” Kayden pushed his sleeves back, then put on a pair of the gloves. “Thanks for getting the supplies.”

“It’s fine.” Duncan turned his cap backward again, then put on some goggles. “You’re trying to avoid Jacob. I get it. He makes you uncomfortable, right?”

Kayden nodded.

Duncan smirked as he pulled on his gloves. “So what’s the first step?”

Kayden quickly looked down at his text. “The book says we take 25ml of the acetic acid solution and add three drops of methyl red indicator.”

Duncan pulled an empty flask in front of him and added the acid solution, then three drops of red methyl. “Now what?”

“Now swirl it together,” Kayden instructed. “Gently.”

Duncan swirled the solution together with gentle motions and it turned a bright yellow. “Why’d it turn yellow? What does that mean?”

“It means the acetic acid is in its unionized form,” Kayden murmured. “That’s the answer for part two.”

Duncan bent over his notebook to write and Kayden hurried to follow his example, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Duncan’s comment about Jacob. “Did he come on to you, too?” he asked in a hushed voice.

“Jake?” Duncan laughed. “Yeah. He came on to me. A bunch of times.”

Kayden blinked at him owlishly. “When?”

“We met during rush week. So, like, it’s been happening since the second week of school.” Duncan gestured to the flask in front of him. “What’s the next step?”

“We need to weigh out one gram of the sodium acetate into a 150-mL beaker,” Kayden said, frowning. “Then we add it to the solution.”

Duncan nodded and pushed his notebook away to get the reagent bottle. “When I met Jacob, I was with my girlfriend. She was in a two piece and I was super proud of her and showing her off.” He poured the sodium acetate to the beaker with a grim look on his face. “He got between us somehow and pulled me away to talk about the fraternity.” Carefully, Duncan added the reagent to the flask of solution and swirled it around. “I was drunk and rambling about the brotherhood when he kissed me full on the lips.”

Kayden gazed at the other boy in amazement as the solution turned a red violet. “He never tried to kiss me.”

“Consider yourself lucky,” Duncan cringed. “I’m not gay or anything, but he wasn’t a very good kisser.”

Kayden smiled faintly, thinking about Trent’s lovely kisses.

“Anyway, I had the brothers kick him out of the house, but he’s been following me around ever since, staring at me and shit. It’s why I was sticking with Billy. I was afraid Jacob would try to sit with me if I moved.”

“But that doesn’t make sense.” Kayden shook his head. “He’s been after me since the beginning of the year.”

“He must go after more than one victim at a time,” Duncan said. “It was kind of a relief to see him making conversation with you, but I just hate seeing him smile.” He shivered dramatically. “He’s such a creep.”

Kayden glanced across the aisle again. Jacob watched them over his yellowish solution, his green eyes narrowed, and Kayden quickly averted his gaze.

Kayden and Duncan managed to finish lab ten minutes early.

“Dr. Tierney was right,” Duncan laughed as he tore the assignment from his notebook. “I’ve never finished early before. This is great.”

“Me neither. Kayden smiled faintly. “I was having a hard time concentrating on my work. Jacob always distracts me.”

“Well, I won’t distract you,” Duncan said cheerfully. “I just want to get out of here. I’m supposed to meet my girlfriend in the quad after this.”

Kayden closed his book and set his completed lab assignment on top. “I’m meeting somebody, too.”

“Good for you.” Duncan took Kayden’s assignment with a flourish. “And thanks for everything, Kayden. I’ll turn it in for you.”

“You’re welcome,” Kayden said awkwardly.

“See you Thursday.

Kayden finished packing his things as Duncan swept down the aisle. When Kayden raised his head, Jacob met his eyes from across the room and his heart did a backflip.

Jacob and Billy were still writing up their lab. There were a couple other tables finishing up and packing their things like Kayden was, but others were struggling with the math on the last few questions.

Kayden pulled his bag over his shoulder and stepped into the aisle. He passed Duncan and Dr. Tierney on the way out, chatting over their completed assignments, then ducked his head and shuffled out the door. He took the hallways quickly and breathed a sigh of relief when he exited the building. The sunshine was warm, and the sound of birds was pleasant. Cypress Hall was in the distance and Kayden’s heart swelled as he thought about Trent.

The night before, after the email, Kayden had begged Audrey to help him skip lunch today. She wasn’t pleased with his choice in boys, but she’d grudgingly agreed, and they’d brewed up an excuse. Kayden was going to the library to photocopy first level Korean lessons for Emma.

“Your brother will be so excited to have me alone, I doubt he’ll ask too many questions,” Audrey had sneered. “Don’t worry. I won’t have any problems.”

Kayden slowed to a crawl as he approached the psych building. Audrey had nagged him about Trent all the way to the car yesterday. It’d continued when she’d come over to study and started up again that morning on the walk to class. For once, Kayden wasn’t looking forward to seeing his friend.

He wanted Trent. Gorgeous, powerful Trent…

Kayden stopped dead in the middle of the path. Cypress Hall was before him, a tall, brick building covered in ivy and he hesitated. There was a shaded study nook off the main esplanade, and he dashed off the path to hide. The paved pavilion had a pair of stone tables in the middle and was surrounded by tall beach grasses. Kayden sat on the edge of the nearest table and peered through the grass, nervously wringing his hands as he waited for Trent to appear.

Before too long, Audrey bustled up to the building from the opposite direction and paused to glance at her phone. She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, scowled, then ducked into the building with her shoulders squared.

Kayden let out a sigh of relief. He knew he’d just missed another lecture.

“Hey.”

“Ya!” Kayden jumped and slid off the table in a jumble of limbs.

Trent stopped over him. “What are you doing down there?” He smiled serenely.

“T-T-Trent!” Kayden scrambled to his feet and dusted himself off. “I w-was waiting for y-you!”

“I figured you’d wait in the building,” Trent drawled, then his smile turned evil. “But this is even better.”

Kayden blinked in confusion. “What?”

“Let’s go.” Trent snatched his forearm and tugged.

“But…lecture’s that way!” Kayden stumbled after him, but they were going in the wrong direction. He looked over his shoulder at Cypress Hall. “Audrey will kill me if I miss class!”

“We’ve got more important things to take care of,” Trent snapped. “She’ll get over it.”

“Are we going to your house?” Kayden whimpered.

“Yes.”

Kayden’s whole body flushed with a nervous excitement and he let himself be pulled away from the safety of Audrey and the psych building. Trent veered off the esplanade when they neared the library and yanked him toward the parking lot below. Kayden stumbled in the grass a few times, but Trent pulled him along effortlessly with a single hand.

Trent’s big black truck was parked facing the library. It was in almost the exact same place from Friday night when they’d stopped to make out and Trent unlocked the doors with the remote, then pushed Kayden toward the passenger side. “Get in,” he said, and Kayden scrambled to climb in the cab while Trent hopped behind the wheel and started the engine.

Kayden got situated in the wide, leather seat, then checked the time on the dashboard. It was almost eleven. “I have to be back on campus by two. T-that’s when my ethics class ends and Audrey and I…” he trailed off. “Aya, I’m going to miss two classes.”

“Maybe you’re missing class, but you’ll learn a hell of a lot more at my place.” Trent shifted into reverse and pulled smoothly from his parking space. “I’ve had my dick down your throat twice now,” he murmured. “I’m dying to get you naked. I’m ready to see what I’m working with.”

Kayden’s eyes got big. He’d never been naked in front of anyone before and the mere idea was beyond terrifying.

“Everyone’s in class.” Trent halted before the street and checked absently for traffic. “We’ll have the house to ourselves. Nobody will mess with us.”

“Are you going to f-f-fuck me?” Kayden stuttered.

“That could be arranged.” Trent gave him a sidelong look and Kayden gasped. “But I’m not sure you’re ready for something like that.” He smiled faintly, then leaned over the armrest and got close. “Don’t worry, Baby-Kay. We’ll work up to it. I’ll have your ass stretched around my dick in no time.” He cradled the back of Kayden’s head in one large hand and Kayden whimpered as his lips were captured in a passionate kiss. Trent’s tongue ghosted along his soft, bottom lip and then he tore away with a laugh. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and turned the radio up. He jumped in and sang along with the explicit rap lyrics, then made a hard left onto the street.

Kayden watched Trent with an adoring gaze, his cheeks pink, and his heart pounding in his chest. He didn’t know what was going to happen once they were alone, but he didn’t care. He would do anything Trent asked. He loved him so much.

They zipped down the city streets and made another left onto a shaded side road. Kayden recognized it from last week when they’d raced to Trent’s house with Mitch and Audrey on their tail.

Trent was speeding again, and the scenery flashed past in a green blur. Kayden looked out the window at the rolling hills. They weren’t on campus anymore. There were no stores or houses. They were in the middle of nowhere.

“That’s my place there.” Trent nodded ahead and Kayden looked out the windshield.

In the distance, a large, wooden house sat on a hill. There was a long driveway behind a gate and as they raced closer, Trent reached for a remote clipped to the mirror and it lurched open.

Trent rolled into the driveway and the gate shut behind them. Kayden gazed up at the sprawling home as they pulled to a stop in front of the three-car garage. It was gorgeous. The lawn and surrounding foliage were expertly kept. There was a large patio in the back with a pool. The windows gleamed in the sun. Everything was perfect. “Come on.” Trent cut the engine and hopped out. “Leave your shit.”

Kayden hesitated, then dropped his backpack. He struggled out of the cab and hurried to catch up with the older boy.

When he opened the door, Trent stepped through first and tossed his keys on the side table and his bag by the door. “Take your shoes off,” he said, and Kayden shyly took his shoes off on the mat. He looked around timidly as Trent kicked his off under the table. The front hall had a wide expanse of marble flooring. There was expensive artwork on the walls and a large set of stairs to the second floor. “My rooms upstairs,” Trent said when he was finished, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I guess we should head up there first.”

Kayden looked curiously across the marbled hall and into the living room. “Okay…”

“I don’t know why, but I’m kinda nervous,” Trent laughed, and Kayden shyly met his eyes. “Well, let’s go up to my room. We’ll figure it out from there.”

Kayden watched as Trent started across the room. He was nervous, too, but he took a deep breath and followed him upstairs. The front hall was open from the second-floor landing and Kayden stopped at the top to admire the diamond patterns on the gleaming floor below.

“Hurry up,” Trent barked, and Kayden spun around to see he was at the end of the hall. He ran after him; afraid he’d get lost in the huge house. Trent waited with a smirk on his handsome face. “Go on,” he said with a nod toward the bedroom when Kayden stopped before him. “Stand by the bed.”

Kayden scurried into Trent’s domain and nervously looked around. The bedroom was spacious, with a large bed on the entry wall and big floor to ceiling windows against the opposite one. There was a balcony that looked out onto the backyard, a desk across from the bed, and a white set of dressers beside it.

Trent shut and locked the door behind them, then turned to assess Kayden with his head raised. Kayden worried his bottom lip as Trent studied him with heavy-lidded, amber eyes. He smiled slowly and the faint scar through his brow pulled into a straight line. “Take your clothes off,” he said at last and Kayden flushed beet red in response.

“M-my clothes?”

“I said I wanted to see you naked.” Trent said. “It’s only fair. You’ve seen my cock more than once.”

Kayden fidgeted with the edge of his sweatshirt. “Right here?” he asked. “In the middle of the room?”

“What better place than next to the bed,” Trent drawled, and Kayden looked away. He swallowed down his nerves, then quickly, before he lost his resolve, yanked the shirt over his head. Trent chuckled as he bared his upper body and his dark hair got mussed in the process.

Kayden anxiously smoothed his hair down, then realized his nipples were puckering in the cool, conditioned air, and he wrapped his slender arms around his naked body. “Oooh.”

Trent stepped closer and pulled Kayden’s arms away with a gentle hand. “Let me help you,” he whispered, then slid his hand down Kayden’s naked chest and rested it over his groin. The little Korean’s eyes fluttered shut with a soft moan and Trent tugged his zipper down and pushed his jeans to the floor. “Now step out of them before you trip.”

Kayden lifted his feet and let Trent pull his jeans away. He didn’t want to trip, but he was even more exposed this way and he whimpered helplessly as he was left standing in nothing but his tighty-whiteys.

“Fuck,” Trent murmured, and Kayden cautiously opened his eyes. Trent greedily looked him up and down. “Turn around,” he growled, and Kayden jerked like a puppet on strings and presented his backside for Trent’s inspection. He chuckled darkly. “Are you trying to hide your fat butt? Is that why you’re always wearing those baggy clothes?”

Kayden looked nervously over his shoulder. “What?”

“You’ve got a thick ass.” Trent grabbed Kayden’s right butt cheek and pinched him sharply. “It’s really cute.”

“That hurts,” Kayden whined.

“Take your panties down,” Trent growled, and Kayden trembled at the deep, animalistic sound. “Let’s go, Baby-Kay.” He smacked Kayden hard on the butt, then released him.

Kayden slid his fingers under the elastic waistband of his boy-shorts. He’d never been so embarrassed in his life, but his penis was getting stiff. Trent would see the second he took his underwear down and Kayden didn’t know how he’d react. Slowly, he pulled his underwear down to his knees.

“Nice,” Trent hissed, and Kayden stopped in his tracks. “Surprisingly plump for such a tiny, little frame.”

Kayden looked over his shoulder again. Trent was staring appreciatively at his butt. His cheeks bright red, Kayden lifted his right foot, then his left, and slid out of his underwear.

Trent spun Kayden around and pulled him into his arms. Kayden gasped as the breath was pushed out of his lungs. He was flat against Trent’s front, and he had to tilt his head back to see into his face.

Trent grinned down at him. “I’m going to play with your butthole today.”

Kayden whimpered in fear.

Trent lifted him off the floor and kissed him deeply. Their tongue slid together and Kayden groaned into his mouth and thrust his little penis against Trent’s firm stomach. Still kissing, Trent carried him to the bed. He pulled his lips from Kayden’s, then set him on the edge, like a doll on a shelf, and stepped back to remove his clothes.

Kayden watched in amazement as Trent bared himself. He had strong, rippling muscles all over his body. His stomach was tight with it. His arms and legs were firm and lean. His caramel skin was perfectly smooth all over and Kayden wondered again about the faint scar on his brow, but forgot all about it when he looked into Trent’s eyes. They were deathly serious, and Kayden fell into a trance as he stared into them.

Trent’s stepped out of his jeans and his cock was completely erect. It bobbed enticingly between his legs and Kayden licked his lips in anticipation. Trent peeled his socks off last and even his feet were gorgeous. They were broad, but perfectly formed; the nails trimmed and neat.

Kayden’s penis was rock hard between his thighs and he subtly squeezed his legs together as he trailed his eyes up Trent’s god-like body.

Trent came to the edge of the bed and carded his fingers through Kayden’s hair. “I have to grab the lube. Stretch out on the bed.”

He stepped away and Kayden stretched his upper body across the satin sheets and curled his legs into himself. He felt incredibly naked and shy on Trent’s bed, and he wasn’t willing to leave himself completely exposed.

Trent rooted through the top drawer of the dresser set and pulled out a small black bottle with a lid. “I hate KY,” he grumbled as he strode back to the bed. “This is way better than that shit you get at the drug store.”

Kayden gazed up at Trent’s bobbing erection. The thick length looked incredibly intimidating, but he’d forced it down his throat two different times now and was looking forward to doing it a third time. The head was swollen and flushed with arousal. It was a mouthwatering display.

“Move over.” Trent smirked, then flopped back on the bed. Their naked bodies slid together, and it felt so deliciously right.

Kayden rolled into the center of the bed to make room, but he immediately missed the press of Trent’s skin. “Sorry,” he said shyly.

“You will be sorry.” Trent propped himself up with pillows behind his head, then leveled another serious look in Kayden’s direction. “Now, sit on my chest.”

Kayden looked at him wide-eyed. “How?”

“We’re going to 69,” Trent smiled. “Straddle my chest so I can play with your ass while you suck my dick.”

Kayden’s entire body got hot and Trent laughed at him.

“How sweet! You’re blushing all over,” he jeered.

Kayden stuck his tongue out.

“I’m waiting, Baby-Kay.” Trent’s eyes glittered menacingly. “Climb up.”

Kayden whined with embarrassment, but he crawled closer and kicked his leg over Trent’s middle. Trent’s dick was just below his chest, and he stared at it as he got settled on his knees.

Trent grabbed Kayden’s hips and yanked him, so his mouth was right above his cock and his ass was propped on his broad chest. He squeezed Kayden’s plump bottom with both hands.

“Oooh,” Kayden dipped his head and swayed helplessly into Trent’s dick.

“Suck me,” Trent hissed, and Kayden didn’t need any further instruction. He propped himself up with his elbows and sucked Trent’s cockhead into his mouth. Trent enthusiastically kneaded his asscheeks as he was sucked, and Kayden quivered between his hands and concentrated on running his tongue around his cockhead. Kayden’s butt was sensitive, and he was extremely hesitant about the anal play Trent had foreshadowed.

As if he’d read his thoughts, Trent let go of his left butt cheek and popped open the lid on the lube. Kayden couldn’t see what he was doing, and he jolted when he felt the cold, slime of Trent’s special lube between his cheeks. Trent set the bottle aside and spread Kayden wide open.

“Shit, your beautiful,” Trent murmured, and Kayden whined as the lube slipped into the tight pore of his anus. “Pink and tight…fuck…”

Kayden groaned as he was pulled open for inspection. No one had ever looked at his hole before. This was virgin territory, and he slowed his pace considerably on Trent’s cock. He was scared what would happen next.

Trent didn’t even notice. He pressed two slick fingers against Kayden’s puckered hole and circled them around and round. He pressed lightly but didn’t enter. He was being incredibly gentle, and Kayden relaxed and felt himself spasm around his fingertips. “That’s it,” Trent murmured. “Relax and let it happen.”

Kayden moaned around his mouthful; the blowjob totally forgotten. Trent’s fingers tickled a little, but mostly, they felt good and Kayden was curious what it would feel like to be stretched. He pushed his ass back onto Trent’s fingers and felt his anus begin to dilate. He moaned deliriously as a stinging pain radiated from his behind.

“Woah. Your asshole’s hungry for cock…” Trent pushed a bit harder and Kayden gasped as a sharp pain stabbed through his backdoor.

“Oh!” He pulled back immediately and dropped Trent’s wet cock from his mouth. “That hurt!”

“Don’t move,” Trent grunted, yanking him back into place with a hand on his hip. “And suck my dick.”

Kayden moaned miserably as Trent’s fingers wiggled against his tender hole. He grabbed his dick with one little fist and guided it into his mouth, only to cry out when Trent speared his asshole for a second time and another sharp pain came along with it.

“Relax,” Trent hissed, but he removed the two fingers and reinserted a single digit. “You’re all clenched up.”

“Hurts…” Kayden whined.

Trent pushed his finger inside until Kayden gripped his second knuckle.

“Oww!”

“Shit.” Trent sloppily added another squirt of lube, then began to fuck Kayden with his big finger, going slow, but keeping the pace steady and unrelenting. “Fuck…You’re tight,” he murmured. “Just like I thought you’d be…”

Kayden closed his eyes and focused everything he had on pleasuring the thick member pulsing along his tongue. He bobbed his head as Trent repeatedly stretched his hole and it was painful. The clenching passage burned like fire.

Within a couple moments, Trent’s breathing picked up and he pulled his finger out of Kayden’s butt. Kayden let out a sigh of relief, until Trent pried his buttcheeks apart and forced his tongue up the narrow passage instead. It was a completely different intrusion from the fingers and Kayden screamed with pleasure.

Trent laughed and Kayden could feel the rumble through his whole body. With a groan of desire, Kayden closed his lips around Trent’s dick as he raced toward an unexpected orgasm. He sucked Trent messily and his little cock, totally neglected until now, rutted against Trent’s smooth chest with the frantic motion of his hips. It was more than enough stimulation for Kayden’s overwhelmed body, and he came quickly on Trent’s tongue.

Trent came right after Kayden and choked him with a gallon’s worth of sperm. Kayden twitched on his chest as he drank him down. His cock spurt between their bodies as he sloppily licked Trent clean.

When Trent was soft and Kayden was spent, he rolled to the side and looked up at the unfamiliar ceiling. There were long, wooden beams and he traced them lazily with his eyes.

“I’m going to have to stretch you a few times before you’re ready to fuck,” Trent said into the silence. “You’re probably the tightest virgin I’ve ever messed with.”

Kayden’s cheeks turned pink. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Yes?” Trent chuckled. “I’ve had a lot of different partners, Kayden. The fact that you stand out at all should be a compliment.”

“Well, it doesn’t feel like a compliment.” Kayden pouted.

Trent rolled his eyes.

“What time is it?” Kayden asked, glancing through the window and into the backyard. The pool was huge, and the water shimmered in the afternoon light. “I have to be back on campus by two.”

“I know,” Trent said bitterly.

“Audrey’s already going to be furious that we skipped psych…”

“Fucking jealous bitch,” Trent grumbled. “She won’t be for long,” he said darkly. “I told Mitch she was asking about him yesterday and he dragged himself out of bed and went to school hoping to cross paths with her.”

Kayden’s face paled. “What time is it?” he asked again.

“I don’t know. My phone’s in my pocket.”

“Trent!” Kayden whined

“It’s bullshit you don’t have a phone,” Trent spat, then sat up and scooted off the bed. “I have a present for you. It’s last generation, but I don’t think you’ll mind.”

Kayden pulled the sheets into his lap as he watched Trent sort through the top drawer of his dresser again. He pulled out an iPhone and Kayden began to moan. “I can’t accept something like that.”

“Why not? It’s paid for and everything. My stepdad handles the bill,” Trent said, crossing the room and sitting stiffly on the edge of the bed. “Chase’s a spying bastard and I don’t trust him having any access to my life so I have another phone that I pay for.”

Kayden blinked at him in confusion.

Trent sighed and handed him the iPhone. “Just take it. Nobody calls me on that thing. Only my mom.”

“Y-your mom?”

“Yeah,” Trent sneered. “And even then, she only does it when she’s drunk and feeling sorry for herself.”

Kayden worried his bottom lip. “What do I do if she calls?”

“Don’t answer it,” Trent said sternly. “And text me immediately if she does.”

“Okay.” Kayden checked the time on his shiny new iPhone. It was just after noon. “Thank you,” he said.

“I needed something to text you on,” Trent said casually. “I put my number in the contacts, and you can add whoever else you want. It’s yours to keep as long as we’re fucking.”

Kayden nodded solemnly. Mark had bought the family basic Android phones with restrictions on the apps. This would stick out like a sore thumb in his possession. He’d have to keep it hidden.

“Now, let’s get a shower,” Trent said, getting off the bed and Kayden gazed appreciatively at his toned body. “That way, we can get clean and have sex at the same time.”

“Can I text Audrey first?” Kayden asked. “So she knows I’m alright.”

Trent frowned. “I’m going to heat up the water.” He moved toward the door. “Hurry up.”

Kayden quickly found the messenger app, then put his bestie’s number in the recipient slot.

Hey! It’s Kayden. I’m at Trent’s house and he just gave me a new phone. I’ll be back on campus by two. Love you.

He hit send as the sound of running water came from across the hall. He exited the messenger app and browsed through the apps on the home screen. He signed into his student email account, then the Blackboard app for homework—

“Kayden!”

“Coming!” Kayden dropped the new phone and hurried across the hall.

The water was running in the glass-walled shower when Kayden came in the room. Trent stood over the toilet, his feet spread, taking a piss and Kayden stopped in front of the steam-fogged mirror and wrapped his arms around his naked body.

Trent looked up and laughed when he saw Kayden idling in the doorway. “What are you waiting for? Climb in already.” He finished pissing and shook his dick off. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Kayden climbed awkwardly into the shower. “Ah!” The water was much hotter than he liked, but he stepped under the spray and got wet. He was running his fingers through his hair when Trent stepped in behind him and slid his arms around his waist.

“You make me feel like a giant,” Trent murmured, pulling him close. “You’re just so goddamn tiny.”

“No I’m not.” Kayden turned in his arms and looked up at him from under his dark lashes. “You are a giant.”

Trent smirked. “I love looking at you.” Slowly, he reached up and stroked Kayden’s wet cheek. “I almost missed it, but everything about you is beautiful.”

Kayden swooned in his arms. “Trent…”

Trent leaned down and kissed Kayden deeply. Their lips and tongues entwined under the warm, flowing water and Kayden’s head spun from a combination of the heat and the physical passion. He held himself up for as long as he could, then he fell against Trent’s firm body with a pitiful moan.

“Brace yourself,” Trent said with a chuckle, then propped him against the tiled wall and grabbed the soap. Using his hands, he washed Kayden’s exposed body. Kayden tilted his head back and groaned as he was touched all over. The heat from the water and the slippery hands on his skin felt amazing.

Then, Trent slid a hand between Kayden’s thighs and nudged them apart. He found Kayden’s swollen hole immediately and pressed his finger inside.

Kayden whined as he was penetrated for the second time. His little penis was rock hard against the tile, but his butt was sore from earlier. He winced and squirmed his hips as Trent fucked him with his big finger.

“Push like you’re going to the bathroom,” Trent said dryly. “I’ve heard it helps.”

Kayden gasped as he experimented with loosening his anal muscles. The feeling was extremely uncomfortable and foreign. He’d never done anything like this before.

“Christ, just relax,” Trent huffed. “You’re fighting me all the way.”

Kayden ground his penis against the damp tile and tried to focus on the little bursts of pleasure. He forced himself to relax and slowly, the burning feeling faded. He took deep, calming breaths and tried to enjoy the strange new sensation.

“That’s better.” Trent patted Kayden’s butt with his free hand, then returned it to his cock. He was masturbating. The wet, smacking sound of him working his own erection filtered through the water.

Kayden was getting off, too. The stretching feeling of Trent’s finger was unusual, but it didn’t hurt as much anymore, and he was starting to like it. He moaned as he rubbed his penis against the wall and pushed his hips back on Trent’s thrusting finger.

Then, Trent touched something inside of him that sent an amazing shockwave of pleasure through his little body. Kayden yelped and grasped blindly at the walls for purchase.

“That’s your prostate.” Trent pulled his finger out of Kayden’s ass with a pop and slipped his arms around his waist. “We’ll explore that button a lot more later on.”

Kayden pressed his face against the wall and whimpered. “Why not now?”

“Because your ass isn’t ready,” Trent whispered in his ear. “And it’ll feel a lot better when I touch it with my dick.” He pressed himself into the small of Kayden’s back and Kayden shivered against the length of his hard cock. Trent began to thrust. “You’ve been an extremely good slut today,” he murmured. “I’m proud of you.”

Kayden tipped his head back and moaned wantonly.

Trent latched onto his throat and sucked his moist skin. “Mmm, you taste like honey.”

Kayden moaned as his little cock pulsed with excitement. He reached down and touched himself, arching desperately into Trent’s sucking kisses as the other boy fucked his wet flesh to orgasm.

Trent sagged heavily into Kayden’s body when he was through and Kayden finished himself off shamefully.

“Ahhhaa!” he whined as his cock splattered across the tiled wall.

“You’re a hot little whore, aren’t you?” Trent chuckled deep in his chest.

Kayden squirmed weakly in his arms. “I’m not…”

“You are.” Trent pulled him around and pinned him against the back wall of the shower.

Kayden gasped and looked up at Trent with wide, almond-shaped eyes. “I’m not a whore,” he said in a little voice. “You’re the only person I’ve ever been with.”

“I know.” Trent smiled beatifically, steam swirling around him. “That’s what I like best about you.” He leaned down and pressed his lips firmly to Kayden’s. “You’re a special kind of whore. A virginal one.”

Kayden shyly opened his mouth and Trent immediately took the invitation, pushing his tongue inside and stroking it along Kayden’s with a delicate touch that had the little Korean’s penis hard again in just moments.

Trent pulled back with a laugh and reached down to palm Kayden’s cock. “Told you,” he said. “You’re one hot little whore.”

Kayden blushed; there was no denying it. He wrapped his arms around Trent’s neck and pulled him down into a kiss. Trent smiled against his lips, then slipped an arm around his waist. He kissed Kayden back, but kept his right hand on his penis. Kayden rutted into it with a desperation he’d never felt before. He was addicted to Trent’s touch and he never wanted it to stop…

It took the two of them some time to climax, but neither of them minded. They kissed heatedly with the water raining down around them. The bathroom was filled with the sounds of their frantic coupling, but luckily, there was nobody around to hear them.

When they finally climbed out of the shower, Trent tossed Kayden a clean towel from a built-in cabinet next to the sink. Kayden dried off as he looked around. The huge tub in the back looked promising.

“By the time we get dressed it’ll be close to two,” Trent grumbled, tossing his towel over his shoulder and striding out of the room. Kayden hurried to catch up, then realized Trent wasn’t going back to his bedroom. They ducked into a smaller room beside the bath, a large walk-in closet, and Trent browsed boredly through a plethora of black tees. “If you want, we can stop at McDonalds for lunch. Since you didn’t get to eat.”

“Oh.” Kayden was touched. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Trent said, pulling a tee off the rack. “You’d better get dressed, then.”

Kayden flounced back to the bedroom and fell back on the bed like a feather. He smiled blissfully at the ceiling for a moment, then rolled over to check his new phone. There was a brief reply from Audrey.

I hate you.

Kayden sighed and backed out of the messenger. There was an email notification at the top and he curiously tapped into the app. He tensed up the moment he saw the name of the sender.

Sarah Windsor

Kayden’s heart leapt into his throat as he opened the email.

Dear Mr. Lee,

I was out of the office Monday afternoon and got two emails about you while I was away. One from Trent Hudson, which I’d requested. But the other was from your algebra instructor. Mr. Kim said you and Trent were causing major disruptions in class. He also said that he saw Trent taking advantage of you sexually and that he had thusly persuaded you to be his tutor.

Kayden looked up wildly, in a total panic. “Trent!” he yelped, but his voice made almost no sound at all.

I’m not taking the allegations lightly and I’d like to talk to you both about it Wednesday after your algebra class. I sent Trent a similar email and I expect the both of you in my office tomorrow.

Yours,

Sarah Windsor

Kayden was hyperventilating when Trent wandered into the room. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked sharply. “You look like you saw a ghost.”

“Check your email.” Kayden gasped, then he nearly fainted. “Oh god no!”

“What?” Trent sneered. “What’s going on?” He strode across the room and grabbed his phone off the bedside table. “Great,” he murmured. “Another email from Sarah.”

“Oh no…my dad’s going to see it too!” Kayden cried. “He has everyone’s school stuff forwarded to him!”

Trent looked at him over his phone. “Did she say I sexually assaulted you?”

“Yes!”

“Shit.” Trent snorted. “Now I feel kinda bad.”

“Whaaa!” Kayden buried his face in his hands. “My dad is going to bury me!”

Trent sat on the bed beside him and put an arm around his shoulders. “Tell him Ethan’s got bad eyesight and he can’t see straight.”

“But what are we going to say to Sarah Windsor?” Kayden cried. “She knows!”

“She doesn’t know shit,” Trent sneered. “And we’ll convince her everything’s above board tomorrow when we stop by her office.”

Kayden whined pathetically.

“Calm down,” Trent growled. “When we go to see her, keep your mouth shut and I’ll do all the talking. Simple as that.”

Kayden aggressively rubbed his face. “I’m ready to go home now.”

Trent sighed. “Whatever.”

Kayden jumped off the bed and quickly pulled his clothes back on. He didn’t want to be naked anymore.

Trent watched him with hooded eyes. “We’re doing this again on Thursday.”

Kayden pouted. “But psych class…”

“Audrey will get the notes for us,” Trent said easily. “I’m pretty sure she knows what she’s doing.”

Kayden huffed extravagantly. “I guess.”

“We’ve got fifteen minutes,” Trent said, checking his phone. “We can still try to get food if we hurry.”

Kayden shuffled after him in his socks.

They were pulling their shoes on in the foyer when an insistent beeping sounded from Kayden’s back pocket.

“That’s your cell,” Trent said shortly. “Check who it is.”

“It’s probably Audrey,” Kayden grumbled, and when he pulled the phone out, he saw that it was. He quickly answered the call. “Hello?”

“Are you still at Trent’s?” Audrey fumed.

“Y-yes?” Kayden looked up nervously and met Trent’s narrowed hazel eyes.

“I need you to get back on campus,” Audrey snapped. “Now.”

“We’re about to leave.” Kayden stood with his shoes untied. “We can be back in ten minutes.”

“Mitch is breathing down my neck!” Audrey screeched. “I don’t know how much longer I can deal with him and hold off your brother. You’d better be here in five minutes or I’m going to walk!”

Kayden pulled the phone away from his ear. “She hung up,” he said sadly.

Trent crossed his arms. “What’d the bitch want?”

“She needs me back on campus in five minutes,” Kayden sighed. “I hope she’s just being dramatic.”

“Come on.” Trent grabbed his arm and pulled him out the door. “I know a shortcut.”

***

Eight minutes later, they arrived on campus and parked below the library.

Trent cut the engine. “Where is she?”

“I don’t know. She won’t answer my texts,” Kayden murmured, looking down at his phone. “We should check outside the ethics building.”

Trent scowled, then turned to climb out of the truck.

Kayden scrambled to catch up. “You don’t have to come with me, you know,” he called at Trent’s retreating back. “I can handle Audrey on my own.”

“If Mitch is involved, then I’d better tag along,” Trent said darkly. “He’s the one I’m worried about.”

Kayden gulped, then scurried after Trent as he jogged up the hill. He hit the path at a brisk pace and Kayden could barely keep up. He’d fallen several yards behind when they reached the main quad and Trent crossed under the west gateway. When he slowed to a stop, Kayden curiously raised his gaze.

Audrey and Mitch stood under the arcade on the far end of the plaza. They were too far away to hear, but it was obvious they were arguing. They were facing one another, but neither of their stances were friendly or approachable.

Kayden finally managed to catch up with Trent and stopped at his heel. “I guess they crossed paths.”

“I guess,” Trent snorted, then started toward his friend. “I’d better reign him in.”

“Wait up!” Kayden hurried after him.

“…think it’s okay to sleep around!” Audrey cried as they got closer. “I don’t want to share you, Mitch! I told you that!”

“I made a mistake,” Mitch said through his teeth. “And it was a stupid, stupid mistake, but I love you too much to let that be the end of it!”

“You don’t have that option anymore!” Audrey threw up her hands. “Not after you’ve slept with half the campus!”

Trent approached the pair with extreme caution. “Mitch?”

Mitch turned with a growl. “Are you seriously interrupting me right now?”

“I guess I am.” Trent smirked. “Your game’s so sucky, I had to jump in.”

“Fuck you.” Mitch glared at him heatedly. “What do you want?”

“Cool it, Mitch.” Audrey crossed her arms. “He isn’t here because of you.”

Mitch looked Trent up and down. He didn’t seem to catch sight of Kayden’s tiny figure standing just behind him and Kayden pulled his arms into his body to make himself smaller.

“He’s delivering Kayden,” Audrey drawled, nodding in his direction. “Late and freshly ravished. Just as I expected.”

“What?” Mitch’s dark blue eyes finally fell on Kayden.

“Shut up, Audrey.” Trent curled his hands into fists.

“Didn’t you hear?” Audrey checked her fingernails. “Trent and Kayden are a thing now.”

“The fuck they are!” Mitch burst into laughter and Kayden ducked his head.

“They’re having sex and everything,” Audrey continued, and Mitch laughed even harder.

“Shut the fuck up, Audrey!” Trent growled.

“Don’t tell her what to do!” Mitch stopped laughing and rounded on Trent. “She’s my girl. She doesn’t have to follow your orders.”

“She does when she’s spreading bullshit lies about me,” Trent sneered.

Mitch’s expression turned. He beamed hugely. “So, what are you really doing with that kid? Is he your tutor?”

Trent snapped his fingers. “Oh shit, I totally forgot about the homework.”

“I have a copy for you,” Kayden said, pulling his bag around and unzipping the main pouch. Trent took the copied homework from him when he found the sheet in his math binder.

“Ugh.” Audrey made a face. “Trent Hudson’s nothing but a cheater.”

“Shut up, bitch,” Mitch snapped, and Audrey put her hands on her hips.

“I think we’re done here.”

“Audrey…”

But Audrey turned away. She brushed past Trent with her nose in the air and hooked her arm through Kayden’s. “Come on, Kayden,” Audrey said in Korean. “We’re ten minutes later than usual. Your brother’s going to kill us.” She pulled Kayden toward the Oval, then stopped short.

Ian was in front of them, his jaw hanging in surprise. “What’s going on here?”

“Ian.” Audrey’s eyes got huge.

“Why are we speaking in Korean?” Ian asked.

“Because we’re trying to get away from those idiot boys!” Audrey cried and Kayden could feel Trent’s stare burning into the back of his head and he didn’t dare to look at him. Ian was staring at him, too, and he knew his face was bright red. “I don’t know why you’re here, but let’s go home.” She pulled on Kayden’s arm again and got him moving. “I’ve got tons of homework to do tonight. I don’t have time for this.”

Ian followed them across the courtyard and down the stairs. “I parked the car on Palm Drive and came looking for you,” he said when he caught up. “What was that about?”

Audrey pressed her lips together. “I don’t know why I’m keeping it a secret anymore. The relationship’s definitely over at this point.”

“Relationship?” Ian’s brow furrowed, then his jaw firmed with resolve. “Oh, wow…which one were you dating? The blond guy?”

Kayden tensed up at the same time Audrey did. He could feel her body stiffening through their linked arms. “You’re taking this better than I thought you would.”

“Wish I could say I hadn’t seen it coming,” Ian laughed uncomfortably. “But it makes even more sense now. You’ve been distant lately. More so than usual.”

Audrey looked straight ahead. “I’ve been seeing Mitch in secret since classes began.”

A mixed cluster of students approached from the opposite direction and the three of them shuffled into a single-file line to get past. When they were alone on the path again, Ian stepped in front of Audrey.

“So, are you still dating him or did you break up?”

Audrey stopped on the path and narrowed her eyes. “We broke up. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Ian smiled slyly. “Maybe I’d like it to be my business.”

Audrey gave him a bored look, then stepped around him and started for the street. “I already have a date on Saturday,” she said over her shoulder in English. “With another guy. Not Mitch.”

Ian frowned deeply as Audrey hopped the curb and disappeared around the corner. Kayden gazed sadly up at his older brother. He didn’t know what to say to him. When Ian looked down at him, Kayden smiled faintly.

“Does she really have another date?” Ian asked.

“Yes.”

“With who?” Ian scowled. “That black guy in the quad?”

“That was Trent Hudson,” Kayden said dreamily. “And no. Audrey isn’t dating Trent.”

“Trent Hudson, huh?” Ian scratched his chin. “I had a class with him last semester. He’s a lazy bum.”

“No he’s not!” Kayden said huffily. “He’s hardworking a-and gentle—”

“What was that?” Ian stopped him with a laugh. “What did you just say? He’s gentle?”

Kayden’s face was beet red when he answered: “I-I didn’t mean it.”

Ian shook his head. “Do you like that guy?”

“No.” Kayden chewed his bottom lip. “I’m in love with him.”

Ian stared at him in silence.

“We’re fooling around,” Kayden admitted. “But we aren’t dating. Officially, I’m his tutor for algebra class, but I haven’t taught him a single thing yet.”

“Oh, Kayden…”

“I know.” Kayden buried his face in his hands. “Audrey’s already on my case. You don’t have to start on me too.”

Ian sighed heavily. “We’d better catch up with her. She’ll be waiting by the car and she won’t be happy about it.”

Kayden filled his brother in as they walked down the sidewalk together. “A guy in our writing class asked her out yesterday,” he said in a little voice. “That’s who she’s talking about.”

Ian firmed his jaw. “I found a way to download Tinder on my phone the other night.”

Kayden blinked rapidly in surprise.

“I’m going to make an account and find someone that actually likes me,” Ian said, inclining his head. “I thought I was being sneaky, but it seems the two of you have been going behind everyone’s backs for a while now.”

Kayden shook his head. “This thing with Trent is brand new.”

“That guy’s taking advantage of you,” Ian said, and Kayden started to protest. “I’m serious,” Ian continued in a louder voice. “Trent Hudson asked to buy my notes from class because he was too lazy to take his own. I barely know the guy, but I know he’s a bum.”

Kayden pouted epically. He didn’t want to hear anything bad about Trent. Even if it was true. Audrey waited further down the street beside the BMW and he fussed with his bag as they got closer.

“But go ahead and date whoever you want,” Ian said casually. “As long as it isn’t Audrey, I don’t actually care who you’re with. Dad’s the only one who thinks it matters. He’s the one who can’t handle it.”

“Thanks,” Kayden said bitterly. “But Dad’s about to find out, too. If he hasn’t already.”

Ian quirked an eyebrow.

“Trent’s advisor emailed me about…a disturbance in class.”

“A disturbance?” Ian unlocked the BMW with his keyless remote. “One you caused?”

Kayden hesitated as they reached the car. Audrey gave him a questioning look, but he slipped into the backseat without replying.

Audrey tossed her kitty backpack onto the seat, then sat beside Kayden. “What’s going on?”

“He said he caused a disturbance,” Ian said as he got behind the wheel. “I’m assuming it involved Trent Hudson.”

“You told him about Trent?” Audrey scoffed. “Wow, you’re really committing to this.”

“I gave him a hand job in class,” Kayden muttered, and everyone turned to look at him in amazement. “And our professor saw and turned us in.”

“What?” Ian gaped at him. Audrey shook her head in disgust.

“Ohhh I knew it was wrong when I did it,” Kayden whined and covered his face. “We left class and finished and in the b-bathroom—”

“Oh my god, that’s disgusting!” Audrey screeched. “That’s the BJ he was talking about yesterday? Ugh!”

Kayden’s face burned with humiliation.

“So your advisor emailed you about this?” Ian asked and Kayden dropped his hands.

“And she wants to meet with us tomorrow to discuss it! Dad’s going to come home in a rage tonight!”

“Oh yeah.” Ian chuckled. “He gets our emails forwarded to his work account.”

“I’m not supposed to be tutoring or having sex with boys,” Kayden groaned. “He’s going to ground me for a million years!”

Audrey sat back in her seat with a smug grin. “Maybe you should have thought about the consequences first.”

Kayden gaped at her in horror.

“That’s not very nice,” Ian said casually, then pulled away from the curb and started down Palm Drive. “I’d think you’d be more supportive.”

Audrey crossed her arms. “Absolutely not. I don’t support anything with Trent involved. He’s a terrible human being.”

“I’ve seen that blond guy in class, too,” Ian said. “He’s pretty wild. I wonder what the two of you got up to.”

“You’ll have to keep wondering,” Audrey said, flushing a delicate pink. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

Ian snorted with amusement.

“What am I supposed to do about dad?” Kayden whined.

“Lie to his face,” Audrey suggested. “I do it to my dad all the time.”

Kayden fidgeted with his sleeves.

“You’ll have to read us the email.” Ian said as they stopped at the light before Embarcadero. “That way we know what we’re dealing with.”

“Oh, Kayden has a new phone. Didn’t he show you yet.”

Ian looked curiously over his shoulder.

Kayden blushed, then pulled out his iPhone. “Trent gave it to me.”

“Why?”

“I haven’t had a working phone for a week,” Kayden muttered. “I dropped mine in the pool again.”

Ian rolled his eyes. “You and phones.” The light changed and he let off the brakes.

Kayden pulled up the email as they coasted through the intersection. He took a deep breath, then read off the exchange with Sarah Windsor.

“I told you he’s taking advantage of you,” Ian said calmly.

“That’s what I said, too,” Audrey sneered. “Finally, something we agree on.”

Kayden looked out the window as they passed the shopping district. The Trader Joe’s was packed with cars. “I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

“You should really listen to your elders,” Ian said with a smile in his voice. “We’ll advise you and keep you from harm.”

“Shut up,” Kayden grumbled.

“Tell your dad this professor doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Audrey said. “It’s your word against his.”

“He’ll take a teacher’s word over mine!”

“The tutoring is extra credit,” Ian said. “Your just concerned about preparing for finals and you think this will help your grade. Focus on the academics and deny the sexual stuff. You’re straight and in love with Audrey. She’ll back you up.”

Audrey nodded. “I’ll say whatever you need me too.”

Kayden looked out the window at the passing houses. He was in so much trouble.

***

Audrey went home as soon as Ian pulled in the driveway.

“I’ll text you,” she said to Kayden, then gave him a quick hug and hopped out of the car. Kayden watched through the window as she disappeared into the backyard next door.

“We should get started on homework,” Ian said. “Try to put that email out of your mind for now.”

“It’s all I can think about,” Kayden said unhappily. “I’m really worried about what dad will say.”

“I know.” Ian turned off the car and they sat in silence for a long moment. “But I’m not going to throw you under the bus. I’ll do what I can to back you up, too.”

“Thanks Ian,” Kayden said softly.

Ian nodded, then took the keys out of the ignition and climbed out of the car.

Kayden sat while the car got warm in the sun. For once in his life, he didn’t want to do homework.

BZZT

Kayden jumped when the iPhone buzzed against his thigh. A text message.

He checked the screen, thinking Audrey was ready to gush about Mitch. But it wasn’t his bestie at all. It was Trent.

That was your brother, right? What an enormous wimp.

Kayden smiled softly as he typed a reply. Why do you say that? He got out of the car as he waited for a response. Trent was being rude, but Kayden was all tingly inside. They were actually talking! Like a real couple! When he got in the house, he felt the phone buzz again.

Because I saw him watching Audrey from the shadows and he was all moony-eyed. Exactly the way you get when you look at me. He loves her, doesn’t he? He’s an enormous wimp.

Kayden laughed as he locked up behind him. Ian was at the island making a sandwich and he breezed past to continue the conversation upstairs. He’s not a wimp. Kayden typed when he was alone in his room. Audrey’s rejected him more than once. There was even a marriage proposal over summer break.

Trent sent a laughing emoji.

Kayden tossed his bag aside and fell back on his bed with the phone cradled to his chest. It felt so amazing to be talking to Trent. He felt special and loved. I told him about you, he typed under the emoji.

How did he take it?

He said you were a bum, Kayden admitted.

LOL

Kayden frowned. He tried to change the subject. I only told him because I needed advice on how to handle my dad.

What did he suggest?

To lie

That’s what I said. Kayden could almost hear Trent rolling his eyes. You can do it, kid. It’ll be alright.

Kayden’s heart swelled with affection. Thanks. It’ll probably be fine.

And we’ll get through that meeting with Sarah tomorrow, too, Trent texted. I’m not worried.

Kayden tried to take comfort in that. At least Trent would be with him when he faced the advisor. Yeah. I guess. He waited for over a minute for the next message. He sat up uneasily and tried to think of something else to say.

Mitch is having fits over Audrey, Trent texted, and Kayden began to chew his lip as he read the message. He started to type a reply when Trent sent another. I’ve gotta go. I have to run out for alcohol.

Kayden pouted. Okay. Bye. He’d never even tasted alcohol before, but he wished he was back at Trent’s, helping him soothe his wild best friend.

TTYL

Kayden flopped back on the bed with a sigh. After lazing in bed for a moment, though, he decided he’d better get started on his homework. He rolled out of bed and reached for his bag.

***

“What do you think?”

Kayden was hard at work reading over the notes Audrey had sent him. He looked up from his laptop as Emma walked into the room in a blue wig and a white dress printed with sparkly cupcakes and lollipops. “Wow.”

“I’m a Katy Perry candy girl.” Emma did a twirl. “It’s my Halloween costume.”

“Oh yeah, Halloween,” Kayden murmured.

“It’s on Saturday, remember?” Emma put a hand on her hip. “Are you dressing up, too?”

“Maybe.”

“Well, you’d better make a decision. It’s four days away.” Emma gave him a stern look, then wandered back to the door. “Oh, and dad’s home.”

Kayden’s back went ramrod straight.

“He’s upset about something,” Emma threw over her shoulder. “Mom said to avoid him until dinner.” She bounced out of the room as Kayden buried his face in his hands.

“Ayaaa,” he moaned pitifully.

***

Cho made beef bibimbap with rice for dinner. Kayden stared at the bowl in the center of the table as she dished out servings.

Mark sat at the head of the table with a scowl on his weary face. Emma and Kayden were to his left and Ian was to the right.

Kayden had come straight down from his room for dinner. He hadn’t spoken to anybody since Emma had came up to show off her costume. He was vibrating with anxiety.

“I got a very disturbing email this afternoon,” Mark said in Korean as Cho served Kayden a portion of beef and rice. Mark leveled Kayden with a sharp glare and Kayden tensed in anticipation. “It was forwarded from your advisor, Kayden. Did you see it, too?”

“Yes.”

Cho paused with the serving spoon hovering over the bowl. “Did something happen at school?”

“Quiet woman!” Mark snapped and Cho recoiled into herself. Kayden had only gotten half the portion everyone else had gotten, but he didn’t mind. He grabbed his fork and pushed the food around his plate. “I never gave you permission to tutor.”

“I know, father, but I’m only doing it for extra credit!”

Mark held up a hand. “And the sexual allegations. What do you have to say about that?”

Cho pressed a hand to her chest. “Sexual allegations?”

Mark glared at her viciously and she fell silent. His eyes cut back to Kayden. “Well?”

“N-none of it’s true, father,” Kayden stuttered. “I-I-I’m in love with Audrey and I think I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

Cho sat back in her chair. “That escalated quickly.”

“Why would your instructor accuse this Trent Hudson of sexual assault?” Mark snapped. “I don’t understand it.”

“Because he’s jealous,” Kayden said quickly and Mark crossed his arms, unconvinced. “Trent’s really popular. He’s practically famous.”

“I know Trent from class, too,” Ian spoke up. “He’s popular with everybody, especially the girls. I don’t know what sexual assault you’re talking about, but I don’t think Trent would mess with Kayden like that.”

Mark’s expression softened and Kayden relaxed. “My instructor can’t teach him,” he explained. “But I can. I’m a great teacher.”

Mark perked up a little. “Once you’re in graduate school, you’ll have the option to teach classes, too. It’ll be part of your grade.”

“I know. I was thinking about that,” Kayden said, though the option had never crossed his mind.

Mark sat back in his chair. “I’ll be calling the advisor after your meeting tomorrow. I want information about this extra credit.”

Kayden glanced nervously across the table at his brother. “Um…okay.”

Ian met his eyes and shrugged.

Mark dug into his food. “How was everybody else’s day?”

The meal continued in the normal way after that. Nothing else was said about the email.

***

Kayden was getting ready for bed when he realized he didn’t have a charger for his new phone. He waited until he was under the sheets with the lights turned off, then he looked through the apps and games available for download. He was downloading Pokemon Go when he got a text from Trent.

What time is your first class in the morning?

Kayden hurried to type a reply. Nine am. Why?

Because I’m picking you up for breakfast.

Kayden beamed. You are?

Then we’re going to the sex shop and I’m buying you a butt plug.

Kayden’s ass tingled with an anxious sort of excitement. Should I meet you somewhere?

In the lot where I usually park.

I’ll be there, Kayden texted. He wanted to tell Trent he loved him, but he knew it wouldn’t go over well. He sent a blushing emoji instead.

He forgot all about Pokemon Go and turned the phone off to save the battery. He’d ask Trent for a charger in the morning.