Available [Marked 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) by Jana Downs

territory was being invaded, and he really didn’t care for it. “I will care for my sub as I see fit,” he bit off.
    Mac crossed his arms over his chest. “Stupid pup, look at what you just said. Your sub. Yours. Trainers don’t own availables anymore than the men and women that the availables cater to do. Your job is to teach him to be a submissive. At the end of the night, it’s not supposed to be an intimate tussle. Read your training manual before you jump in headfirst without looking. There are precautions to take—”
    “Don’t lecture me, Mac,” Ryan interrupted. “I’ve had enough people doing that today. You, Kira, Mustang, and my brother have all given me hell over that boy, and I didn’t even want him to begin with! He followed me. He inserted himself into my life. I didn’t pursue him! As far as I’m concerned he should be grateful I’m even taking the time and energy to indulge him in training after the shit he’s pulled!”
    Mac didn’t flinch from Ryan’s bellowed statement. “If you resent him that much, you need to walk away now, Ryan. You don’t deserve his submission.”
    Ryan gaped. “ What ?”
    “Get in your damn truck and go. Leave his bag and I’ll give it to him,” Mac demanded, holding his hand out supposedly for Ryan to hand over Bradley’s bag.
    “What the fuck is wrong with you? He’s my responsibility!”
    Mac snorted. “And I’m sure Alpha will find someone who won’t think of him as a burden to be tolerated. He didn’t let you be the hunter in your relationship. So what? Would you be any less persistent in your pursuit of someone you liked? I seem to recall a time when you followed David around like a goddamn puppy. You showed up here more than once with only enough money for a coffee just so you could sit in his section. He said ‘no’ how many times before he went out with you?” Each word felt like an ice pick being driven into his chest over and over again.
    “Yeah?” he asked, his voice brittle. “Look how that turned out. It’s not healthy to like someone that much.”
    “Love turns us all into fools,” Mac said softly. “You’re a grown-ass man. Stop being afraid of being a fool. You’ll only end up looking more like one if you deny it.”
    Ryan turned away and grabbed the bag out of the floorboards. “I’m trying.”
    “I don’t mean to be harsh on you, Ry. I just want you to be aware of how you’re goin’ about this. Your heart is not the only one who stands to be crushed under your boots if you let it. If you need help—”
    “You’re here. I got it.” Ryan shut the door and locked it back. “I’m lost with him.”
    Mac nodded. “Ain’t no finer place to be, boy.”
    Ryan disagreed. It felt awful to be in this position. A few weeks. A few weeks of normal Dom/sub stuff and then I’ll walk away . The memories would keep him warm. They would have to.

Chapter Six
     
    Bradley pulled the overalls up his hips and fastened the first shoulder then the other. It wasn’t the height of fashion, but it would do in a pinch. He stuffed his other pants in the bag and straightened. Ryan leaned against the doorframe, looking at him with an odd expression on his face. Bradley smiled. “Okay. I’m ready to eat. I’m starving.”
    “I need to apologize to you,” Ryan said. Bradley’s heart clenched. God, what now? He didn’t think he could take anymore of Ryan’s yo-yoing today. He was more confusing than any man Bradley had ever met, bar none. “I haven’t exactly given this a fair shot. Yes, you came to me unconventionally, but it doesn’t mean I should treat you like a freak. I’m sorry about that.”
    Relief scalded him. “Thanks. I just want to make you happy.”
    “I know. I’m a little leery of anything that looks like a permanent collar, but that is my issue. I’m going to treat you right, Brad.”
    “Bradley,” he corrected automatically.
    The corner of Ryan’s mouth lifted in a semblance of a smile. “Not