In the Name of Love

Ryan is a young artist hoping to make a name for himself. When he meets a man who offers to help him advance his career, he accepts. His career takes off when Merrick arranges two shows for Ryan at a local gallery. Ryan is elated, especially when their relationship becomes more personal. What he doesn’t expect is to end up being abused, physically and emotionally, as Merrick tightens his control over the younger artist.<br><br>After a vicious beating, Ryan manages to escape, naked except for a bedspread wrapped around himself. Policeman Shaun Levitt finds him cowering in an alley. Taking the battered young man under his wing, Shaun begins the slow process of helping Ryan come to grips with what happened.<br><br>Will Ryan learn to trust again? Or will he forever look at any man who might be interested in him as another potential abuser ... including Shaun?

Edward Kendrick · LGBT+

Not enough ratings

85 Chs

Chapter 38

Getting up, Ryan put away his pens, moved the Minotaur to the table with the rest of the series, and then went to the doorway, waiting for Merrick to leave. When he did, Ryan turned out the lights, closed the door, and followed him down to the second floor. “I’ll see you in the morning, before you go to work,” he told Merrick.

Merrick merely nodded, looking melancholy, Ryan thought, before going into his bedroom.

Did he expect anything more than my thank you—like a hug, or a kiss? Ryan went into his room, firmly closing the door. In time, Merrick. Damn, I seem to be saying that a lot, to myself, and to him. But it’s true. It will happen when the time is right. If the time is right.

* * * *

“That worked,” Merrick murmured as he undressed. “Praising him, giving him the rubdown, then the trace of sadness at the end. A few more days and he’ll relent and then…” He smiled. “Then, I lay down the law. Not overtly, but I will.”

* * * *

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