“Funny how you think you're in charge,” I shoot back, but tighten my hold on Lio’s hand and tug him out of the office, into the foyer.
We make it to the front of the house just as the door opens, and Benji and Joel escort Roman and Tennant inside.
Roman’s red-rimmed eyes and heartbroken expression has anger rising in my chest. Fucking Cristian. If I didn't trust Roman as much as I do, I would kill him myself.
Emilio releases my hand and goes straight to his friend, pulling Roman into a tight hug. Roman clings to the other boy, burying his face into Lio’s neck.
Giving them a moment, I reach for Tennant, sighing in relief when he pulls me in and kisses me hard.
“How'd everything go?” I ask when the kiss breaks.
“As to be expected. I dropped him off with Doc and Soren for stitches, and because Roman doesn't want him here quite yet.”
“Agreed,” Lio says from where he still holds Roman. “We'll have to discuss it as a Council once Carter is a little stronger. But for now…Cristian isn't allowed in this house.”
“Let's go upstairs,” I tell the three of them. “You look exhausted, Love.”
“It's not exactly been comfortable sleeping in an office chair for two days straight. Bed would be nice.”
Grabbing Ten’s hand, I lead him upstairs, with Lio and Roman following behind us. In the bedroom, Tennant and Roman both strip and climb into bed.
Lio doesn't hesitate to kick off his shoes and crawl on top of Tennant, laying his head on his chest. Ten holds the puppy close, pressing a kiss to his hair as Roman cuddles into Ten’s side, his arm wrapped around his friend.
The three of them make a beautiful sight. My love with two of his Boys, the way they cling to him and each other, how perfectly in sync they seem, despite never being in this position before. The only way it would be better is if they were cuddling after sex rather than the emotional shitstorm Roman and Tennant just went through.
Before joining them on the bed, I take my phone out and send two texts, then kick my shoes off and sit on Tennant's other side, tablet in hand.
“I thought this was a cuddle party.” There's a pout in Roman’s voice.
“I have a few things to check on, but it shouldn't take too long.”
“Hol can multitask,” Tennant teases.
Reaching over, I pull on his hair, making him huff a laugh.
The bedroom door opens and Jude walks through. He takes one look at the crowded bed and huffs. “Are we having a party?” he signs.
“Yep,” Roman quips. “Come join us.”
Shucking his shoes and jacket off, Jude walks around the bed and nudges Roman closer to Tennant, so he can sit.
“I heard you had an interesting day yesterday, Agnellino,” Tennant tells him.
Jude snorts. “If you call almost having a coronary because my Boy is a sneaky little shit, then sure, interesting is the word for it.”
“Antonio looked properly chastised this morning,” Roman says.
Jude grins. “I think this lesson will stick for a while…and if it doesn’t, I’ll get to enjoy punishing him again.”
I shake my head and focus back on the tablet in my hand. I knew Jude was dominant. I have enjoyed watching him exert that dominance over Roman, and have taken my own pleasure in having him bend for me, but there’s something pleasing about watching him in his element. I have to hand it to Roman, he knew what he was doing when he threw Antonio and the twins at our Little Lamb.
There’s a knock on the bedroom door before it pushes open slowly to reveal Benjamin. He takes a few hesitant steps forward and stops. Tennant sits up, careful not to dislodge Lio, who still clings to him much like he did me in the office earlier. Poor Pup, the stress of seeing Allesandro mere days ago, and not having clear answers, is getting to him. And he doesn't even know the current mindset of his former Master. I purposefully waited for Tennant to be available before telling him that news, knowing he’ll need the support of us both, along with his best friend.
“Come here, Topolino.” Tennant’s voice is soft, but firm.
Benjamin wrings his hands and stares at Ten with longing in his sea green eyes. “It doesn’t look like there’s room for me.” There’s pain, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on, in his tone.
“There’s always room for you,” Roman tells him. Without missing a beat, he crawls into Jude’s lap.
