The Sheikh's Rebel (gay) ☑️

23. Bolivia.

A few days became a week. Tyler was grateful for the rest because he could now quietly finish his work and school assignments. Marcus had been very supportive in compiling his report for school. The mother and the two puppies they had taken were soon adopted.

There was an unexpected opportunity for Tyler that he grabbed with two hands. Marcus had to go to Baltimore for two weeks and needed an assistant. Tyler told about this at school and they'd been excited. Together with his mentor he worked out the details and was given a workbook with assignments. If he succeeded in his set-up, he would take months off his training time.

Fleur and Jared had just come back the previous day and graciously for Tyler they wouldn't run into each other. He had left a package on Jared's desk with the who, what, where, why and how long of his absence. This should satisfy even His Princely Highness.

Traveling with Marcus may not have been as luxurious as with Jared, but Tyler thought this was a small price to pay. They were staying at one of the investigators' homes. Which meant Marcus was sleeping on the couch and Tyler on a stretcher in the shed. He enjoyed himself. The work was interesting and instructive. Exactly suited to his school assignment. He was at his best behavior, did what he was asked to do, and time flew by.

They arrived on a Friday afternoon and Tyler went straight home to unpack. He'd have to work out some more notes before he could e-mail them to his teacher.

Puffing, he walked out of the warm house to greet his mother.
"Hello, darling. We were just on our way to the next door for a fresh swim."
Naomi was already hopping to the Evans garden. Without pressure, she waited for his answer while calmly observing him.
"Sounds good to me. I'll be here soon." He quickly ran upstairs and put on swimming shorts. He snatched a towel from the chest of drawers and ran downstairs. To his surprise and pleasure, his mother was waiting for him. She kissed his cheek. "They're all here." Marion saw the tangle of emotions on her son's face. Rubbing his back, they walked towards the pool.

Jake was at the barbecue. Fleur and Jared sat on a sunbed chatting with Naomi, while Miranda came out with a tray full of drinks. "Welcome, Tyler," she cried cheerfully.
"You're right on time, Tyler. We just turned on the barbecue," Jake said, patting on his stomach.

"Sit with me," Fleur beckoned him. "I haven't spoken to you in ages." She looked at him beaming. His eyes took her fleetingly and couldn't escape the fact that she looked very relaxed and happy. "That goes for me too," he responded to the pair cautiously approaching.
"How was Baltimore?" she asked him interested.
"Super interesting, although I don't understand much about the research," he confessed honestly. "It was a great opportunity to finish my education faster," he added, dodging Jared's piercing gaze. He had no idea what message was in the dark eyes, but he chose not to go into it. "And where have you been?" he asked out of sheer politeness.
"Jared surprised me with a week of Milan. It was so romantic," she said.
"Sounds good," Tyler agreed.

"And what about you, Tyler," she inquired, adopting a juice from Miranda. "Do you have someone special in your life? Someone who is kind to you and satisfies your needs?"
Behind them, Jake noisily dropped his spatula. "Sorry, everything's okay."
Tyler stared at the ground. He dodged all the eyes he knew were pointed at him. "No. There is no one who meets these qualifications." He cringed at hearing his bitter tone.

The presence of Naomi who was leaning up against Jared protected him from any kind of attack, so he did the smart thing and kept her close. "Do you want to swim with me, Smurf?"
She chuckled loudly. Together with her in his arms, they jumped into the water. Exuberantly, Naomi visibly enjoyed the attention of her big brother.

"Come get them," Jake shouted with a large bowl of burgers.
"These burgers are so good," Tyler said approvingly.
"Marion's family sent some meat. And Argentinian meat is top!" He slapped his wife on the buttocks.
"Indeed," agreed Fleur, who pushed Jared back and kissed him extensively.