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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 4

“Here in the city. I came out here right after high school, since they offered me a partial scholarship.”

“Impressive.”

Ryan chuckled. “It would have been more impressive if it had been a full one.”

“Did your parents help pay your tuition?”

“No. They…died in an accident when I was seventeen.”

“I’m sorry,” Merrick replied softly. “Would I be wrong in presuming you stayed with family until after high school?”

“My aunt and uncle. They were very nice about it, but they had a family of their own, so…” Ryan shrugged. Why is he so curious about me? Probably for something to talk about while he finishes his coffee, since we sort of know each other. I should return the favor and ask about him. He might have done so, if he didn’t have a couple of other tables which he realized he’d been ignoring. He excused himself then went to check on how everyone was doing. He started back to where Merrick had been seated only to see the man walking toward the restaurant’s front door.

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