β Scribed by Christina Lee
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
Ben Emerson has lived by his minister fathers rules most of his life. Born into an ultra-conservative church community, hes finally brave enough to break free and move to San Francisco. Distancing himself certainly helps create a new mindset, but living as an openly gay man takes some getting used to. When he reaches out to Xavier, a childhood friend who lives in the city, Ben isnt sure how hell respond given their thorny history. Ben hopes the familiar connection will help him right some wrongs as well as provide the solace hes been craving.
Xavier Ramos is who he is, and he doesnt give a damn what anyone thinks. Whether its eyeliner, nail polish, tattoos or his love of hooking up, he uses his body as a form of self-expression but doesnt let anyone get too close. When Ben reenters his life, Xavier helps him experience the city and feel comfortable in his own skin. Seeing the world through Bens eyes, he begins to wonder if hes also not living as freely as he thought.
When Xavier challenges Bens beliefs about sex, it becomes explosivefor both of them. Xavier breaks apart Bens sheltered world and shows him what its like to live out loud. The more time they spend together, the more Xavier begins to long for Ben in a different wayone that both surprises and scares him. But real life doesnt fade into the background, so when Bens past comes knocking, old habits are hard to break. Testing the foundation of their deepening connection will take a trust that will either bind themor tear them apart.
**Riley Hart writing as Nyrae Dawn
**Ben is from PAINT THE STARS and Xavier is from A HUNDRED THOUSAND WORDS, but LIVING OUT LOUD can be read as a complete standalone.
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