Guardian Angel

I got out of the shower and dried myself off. I went back to the locker and picked up the scrub pants and went to step into them, when I felt an uncomfortable feeling wash over me, like someone was watching me. I gasped and stood up straight and held the pants in front of my naked body.

"Hello?" I called out.

I didn't get an answer, not that I expected one. I quickly got dressed and grabbed the plastic bag containing my dirty clothes.

I turned the corner towards the door and I screamed when I ran smack into Zeke. I pushed him back and backed away from him.

"Get away from me," I demanded. "Let me pass."

"He can't protect you," Zeke growled. "You already belong to me."

He stepped forward and I moved back another step.

"I'll never belong to you!"

Zeke moved closer and I backed up until I was against the wall. I pushed him as hard as I could against his chest, then lifted my knee up as hard as I could, slamming it between his legs. He flinched slightly and staggered backwards. I gave him another shove and ran past him. I pulled open the door and ran as fast as I could.

I ran to Dr. Brooks and Nurse Evelyn. I turned around and watched Zeke calmly walk out of the locker room, then turn and stroll down the hallway in the opposite direction. They both turned and looked at me expectantly. I wasn't sure what to tell them, so I didn't say anything.

"Are you okay?" Nurse Evelyn asked.

"Yes. Just a little frazzled is all. This is going to be a long night."

I managed to make it through the night without being hit by more piss. As the night wore on, the patients seemed to calm down. I also managed to avoid Zeke for the rest of the night.

A few minutes before my shift ended, I saw Mike walk up to the nurse's station. He looked around until he saw me. His mouth turned up into a smile and I melted.

I walked up to him and he looked at me with a concerned look on his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. It's been really crazy tonight."

I checked out with Nurse Evelyn and got my coat from my locker and left with Mike.

***

We walked a few blocks down the street to a café in town. As we strolled down the sidewalk, I told him all of the crazy things that happened during my shift, including the encounter with Zeke in the locker room. He listened quietly, nodding his head. Just having him near had a calming effect on me. I looked up at him and he looked down and smiled at me.

We were seated at a small table in the corner. We took off our coats and hung them on our chairs. I couldn't help but look at Mike's physique as he pulled off his coat. He was wearing a blue flannel shirt over a white wife beater. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, exposing his forearms, which were lightly dusted with black hair. His large biceps stretched the fabric of the shirt as he moved his arms. His chest muscles pushed out far enough that he had to leave the top buttons of his shirt undone. The white tank top was stretched tight across his frame. Curly black hair spilled out over the top of the collar.

I ordered the French toast breakfast with bacon and Mike had eggs, bacon, hash browns and pancakes. We made comfortable small talk while we waited for our food to arrive. The waitress returned several minutes later with our plates and set the bill face down on the table.

"That's a lot of food," I said as Mike dug in and began eating.

"Mm-hmm," he said as he took a bite of his pancakes. "Hungry."

I laughed and his blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at me. The butterflies in my stomach starting doing flips. I looked down and started to eat.

After we finished our breakfast, we sipped our coffee and talked quietly. He asked me to tell him about my grandmother. He listened as I told him about growing up with her, then how she got sick, how lonely I was after she died. It was really nice to talk to someone and to have them actually listen to me.

As we talked, I looked back at Mike. I couldn't help but stare at his chiseled features and olive complexion and deep blue eyes. His dark beard stubble looked rough. He hadn't shaved in a couple of days. His lips had a tint of red and were full and looked so kissable. I realized that I had strong feelings for Mike. I barely knew him, but at the same time, I felt like I knew everything about him that I needed to know. The odd thing was, that for once I didn't feel guilty about it. Not one bit.

I was about to ask him about his home life when the bell over the door rang and Mike looked up over my shoulders, fixing his eyes on whomever had entered the restaurant. I looked up as a muscular man with golden blond hair walked up and stood at our table. He was dressed similarly to Mike, in a brown hooded coat. He was a little shorter than Mike, but still built very muscular.

"Michael," he spoke softly.

Mike nodded his head. "This is my friend, Paul. Paul, this is my dear old friend Gabe."

"Hi, Gabe," I said. "It's nice to meet you."

Gabe nodded at me, then turned back to Mike. "What are you doing?"

"I'm having breakfast with a friend."

"You know what I mean, Michael."

Mike smiled at me. "Excuse us for a moment."

He stood up and put his hand on Gabe's arm and led him down the hall towards the restrooms.

"I am doing my job, Gabriel," I heard him say quietly before they moved out of range.

I looked back down at my coffee, trying not to look at the two men and infringe on their privacy. They returned to the table a few moments later.

"It was nice to meet you, Paul," he said, then turned and left the restaurant.

"Is everything okay?" I asked Mike.

"Nothing for you to worry about. We should be going."

Mike left enough money for the bill plus a generous tip.

After we left the café, we walked back towards the bus stop.

"Thank you for breakfast," I said.

"You're welcome. It was nice to have the company."

"Yes. It was."

"I should probably make sure you get home okay."

"You don't have to do that," I said, even though I really wanted him to.

"I'm a little concerned that Ezekiel cornered you in the locker room like that. He is bolder than I thought."

Mike got onto the bus with me and we sat together for the ride to my apartment building. He sat by the window and I sat on his left side. He had his left arm over the back of the seat. I liked sitting close to his warm body. It made me feel tingly all over. When we went over a large pothole, I was jostled into him. He moved his arm from the seat to my shoulder to steady me and let out a deep chuckle.

We got off the bus at my stop and walked the block to my apartment building. I unlocked the door and we climbed the stairs to my apartment. I unlocked the door and opened.

"Would you like to come in?" I asked. My voice quivered, showing my nervousness.

"I should be going," he said.

"Okay. Thank you for seeing me home. And thank you again for breakfast."

"Anytime, Paul."

He bent down and gave me a warm hug. I put my arms around his broad back and squeezed into him. His big, strong arms felt so good around me. I closed my eyes and held him for a moment until he pulled away. He looked down at me and for a split second I thought he was going to kiss me. Instead he smiled at me and patted my arm.

"Tomorrow is Sunday," he said. "Will you go to church with me?"

"Sure. I'd like that."

"Then I will meet you tomorrow after your shift."

"Bye, Mike."

I went inside and took a shower, then got ready for bed. I slipped under the covers and closed my eyes. My thoughts drifted to Mike. I wondered if he liked me as much as I liked him. My body responded to the images and memories and my penis filled out and pushed against the confines of my pajama pants. I pushed the covers back, slid my pajama pants off and then tossed them onto the floor.

I looked down at my smooth body. I had nice defined pecs, but they were nothing like Mike's. I looked down at the slight ridges of my ab muscles. I wondered what Mike's abs looked like. My hard dick jutted out from a small brown nest of curly hair, laying at a slight angle above my stomach. The six-inch shaft had a nice, heavy thickness. The head was already red and wet and sticky.

I thought of Mike's body... the way his shirt stretched over his chest and arms... the curly black chest hair that peeked out over the top of the white tank... the large bulge in the crotch of his jeans that slightly hung down his left leg. My cock jumped and a pearly drop oozed out of the small slit.

I reached down and held myself in my right hand. I leaned back in the bed and closed my eyes. I smeared the slippery fluid around the head and began stroking myself. Images of Mike danced in my head. Our hug at the door became more. He leaned down and kissed me, pressing his full red lips into mine. Our hands rubbed all over each other.

As I slid my right hand up and down my shaft, my left hand rubbed all over my body. I squeezed my pecs and tweaked my nipples. I raked my fingers over my abs. I fondled my balls. My breathing quickened and I stroked faster and faster. I writhed around on the bed, moaning and whimpered. My body tensed and my legs stretched. My toes curled and I exploded in relief.

"Michael," I cried out as my first spurt hit the top of my head and my pillow. It was followed by several more strong bursts, covering me from my adam's apple to my stomach.

I laid there trying to catch my breath and I let out a little giggle. For the first time in my life, I felt no guilt. I felt free.

***

The next day at work was surprisingly calm. It was about halfway through my shift that I realized that Zeke had not shown up for work. That was fine by me. I had a quick lunch and then went down to see Patrick. I gasped when I saw him. He looked absolutely horrible. His lips were drying and cracked. His hands and face had open sores on them. I looked at his chart and saw that he was in an induced coma and was being pumped with antibiotics. They had no idea what was wrong with him.

I was sure that it had something to do with Zeke. Patrick had sex with Zeke. I wondered if maybe Zeke had given him something.

When my shift was over, Mike was waiting at the nurse's station. I waved at him, and went and got my coat and we went down the elevator. I told him about Zeke not coming in and also gave him an update on Patrick.

We walked across the street to the church, and I followed Mike. He genuflected and I did the same. We entered the pew and sat near the aisle.

During mass, Father Ron saw us sitting close together and he smiled warmly at me. I blushed a little bit and smiled back.

As were leaving the church, I shook Father Ron's hand.

"It was nice seeing you, Paul," he said.

"Thank you, Father."

"It was lovely as always, Father," Mike added.

We walked down the stairs and I followed Mike towards the parking lot.

"Would you like to get a bite to eat, Paul?" he asked me.

"Sure. I'm pretty hungry."

"It's a little early, but we can beat the lunch crowd. Do you like Italian? I know a great little place. Giovanni's, on the other side of town."

"Oh, I love it there. It was Grandma's favorite. I haven't been in while, not since...."

Mike put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a sideways hug. He led me to a large black Toyota truck parked in the church parking lot. He unlocked the doors and opened the passenger door for me. I felt a little foolish as I climbed into the truck and he shut the door. He got into the truck and started it and pulled out of the parking lot.

We got to Giovanni's before the lunch rush. As soon as we entered, I felt like I was with a celebrity. Everyone greeted Mike by name. He introduced me as his friend Paul. The hostess sat us at the best table in the house. It was amazing. I commented on the service we were getting.

"I've done some contracting work for them," he said humbly.

Lunch was spectacular. I always enjoyed the food here, but today was something else. Maybe it was the company.

The waiter boxed up our leftovers and cleared away our dishes, and then looked at Mike. "Michele, would you and your date care for a cappuccino?"

I blushed slightly at being called his 'date', but Mike did not flinch, nor make any move to correct him. A warm feeling spread though me.

"Sì, grazie," Mike simply said in Italian.

By the time lunch was finished, I was feeling quite tired after working all night, then mass, then lunch. Even though I wanted to spend more time with Mike, I couldn't stop yawning.

Mike drove me home and parked his truck in front of my building. He walked me up the stairs to my apartment, carrying my little leftover bag for me.

"Thank you for a lovely lunch, Mike."

"It was my pleasure, Paul."

Mike gave me the bag and I set it inside the apartment door. He then leaned in and hugged me tightly. As he pulled away, he looked down at me. His arms tightened around me and he leaned down. Our eyes closed as he pressed his lips against mine. We kissed tenderly at first, then passionately. He pulled away to breathe. I could feel his heart pounding. I could feel his penis throbbing against my stomach. He rested his forehead on mine and looked into my eyes.

"Wow," he whispered.

"Yeah," I sighed.

"I will see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yes."

Mike gave me one more quick kiss. I watched him descend the stairs. He waved to me before he walked out. I went inside my apartment and shut and bolted the door behind me. I put the leftovers in the fridge. I let out a sigh and stretched my arms over my head and yawned. I pulled my clothes off and plopped into bed and fell right asleep from exhaustion.

***

I was floating upwards towards the sky. I drifted up into a cloud. I felt the water vapor surround me. It was cool on my naked skin. I kept floating higher and higher until I broke through the top of the cloud. My ascent slowed and I settled back down onto the top of cloud. It felt solid and it held my weight like a bed of cotton. The cool vapor tickled my backside and I let out a soft giggle.

I looked up and I saw a shape emerge from a cloud above me. Mike jumped down and landed on the cloud at my feet. He moved to my side and knelt down. I reached up and touched his face. He kissed my palm, then laid next to me. We turned onto our sides to face each other. His big arms surrounded me and pulled me close.

He kissed me and looked me deep in the eyes. "We are one for eternity, my own."

I opened my eyes and sat up. I looked over at the clock. I was surprised that I had slept so soundly through the night. I got up out of bed and took a shower, then got dressed. I made myself a quick dinner, reheating the leftovers from lunch.

Work again was calm and quiet. I was glad to see that Zeke did not show up again. I wondered if maybe he was gone for good.

At my lunch hour, I felt like I needed air, so I went downstairs. I sat on the bench outside and quickly ate my turkey sandwich. I looked across the street at St. Ann's church. A large man that looked like Mike walked up from the cemetery and then walked into the church. I looked at my watch. I still had forty-five minutes for my lunch break. I got up and walked across the street. I pushed open the church door. I looked around, but didn't see Mike. I heard voices above and I walked up the stairs to the choir loft.

I smiled when I saw Mike talking to his friend Gabe, but the tone of their voices had me freeze in my tracks.

"It is forbidden, Mike," Gabe said firmly.

"Gabe, please, just listen," Mike pleaded. "I have feelings--"

"You took an oath. If you cannot perform your duties, then I will get Rafe to look after the boy."

"No. That will not be necessary, Gabriel."

They continued to talk, but I started to feel guilty for eavesdropping. I crept back down the stairs and left the church and returned to the hospital. As I walked back, I couldn't process what I had heard. I was sure that they were talking about me. Mike said he had feelings. Did he mean feelings for me? What exactly was forbidden and why? Clearly Mike was more than a simple contractor and handyman.

***

After my shift ended, I was a little bit disappointed that Mike wasn't there. I guess I had gotten used to seeing him. I got on the bus and rode home, feeling dejected.

I climbed up the stairs to my apartment and went inside. I took a shower and pulled on a clean pair of pajama pants.

I boiled a couple of eggs. I made some toast and had a bowl of cereal to go with it. I sat down on the sofa and ate my breakfast, feeling a little bit sad and lonely.

I climbed into bed and tossed and turned for a bit, then fell asleep.

As I laid in bed, it felt like the temperature dropped. I pulled the comforter up and curled up on my side and snuggled into the blankets. I felt the mattress move and I drew in a sharp breath and turned over. The room was dark, but there was no one there. I laid back down on my back and closed my eyes. The blankets were suddenly pulled away from me.

I opened my eyes and sat up in bed. The blankets were clear across the room. I shuddered from the cold air. I wrapped my arms around myself and rubbed my arms, trying to get the blood flowing to warm them up. I got up from the bed and grabbed the blankets and remade my bed.

The nightstand jiggled and wobbled. My grandmother's picture flew off the nightstand and smashed against the opposite wall. I gasped and backed out of the bedroom. I heard a growling noise behind me and I quickly turned around. Zeke was standing in the doorway. I grabbed the door to try to shut it on him, but it flung open. He picked me up by the neck and tossed me onto the bed. I moved against the back wall as he stalked closer and closer. I frantically looked around the room for something I could use to fight him off.

He grabbed my ankle and tugged, pulling me to the edge of the bed.

"You are mine!" he bellowed.

I kicked at him as hard as I could. "Get off me!"

He leaned over me and pinned me down onto the bed. His face hovered over mine. His eyes appeared to glow a bright red and memories of my nightmares flooded my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut and struggled below him.

Suddenly a loud voice echoed through the room. "Ezekiel! This boy is under my protection. I command you to leave immediately!"

I opened my eyes to see Mike standing in the doorway. Zeke pulled off me and backed away. Mike entered the room, moving between Zeke and myself. Zeke's face turned red. His chest heaved up and down.

"This isn't over," he growled. "The boy will be mine!"

"I'll see you in hell first!"

Zeke ran out of the bedroom and I heard the outer door slam open. Mike ran after him and I got up and followed him. Mike returned a few seconds later, and shut the apartment door and locked it behind him.

"He is gone for now," he said.

"What is he, Mike? Why does he want to hurt me?"

"I will never let him hurt you. I swear it."

Mike pulled me into his arms and I wrapped my arms around him. I rested my head on his chest and held him tight. His hands rubbed up and down my naked back as he soothed and comforted me. I looked up at him and I knew that he was telling me the truth. I would be safe and protected. Mike would let no harm come to me.

I moved my hand to his neck. I tugged him down as I stood up on my tip-toes. I brushed my lips against his.

"I cannot," he whispered as he turned his head.

"Mike, I love you."

I kissed him again and he let out a quiet moan and pressed his lips into mine. He tightened his grip around me and kissed me passionately.

"I love you, Paul."

Mike moved us towards my bedroom and we laid down in my bed together. We laid side by side together, kissing and touching each other all over. Mike rolled me over onto my back and moved on top of me. He looked down at me and lovingly caressed the side of my face.