He’d gone to clubs with Gem in the past. While they did have a rule that they would stay out of each other’s way and never discuss anything that might be seen, some things couldn’t ever be unseen. Like Gem with a whip in his hand, lashing a sub tied to a Saint Andrew’s cross. No, Nix didn’t want that picture in his head.
But Nix knew that Gem wouldn’t have an issue with what Evan and he did together. He’d been most worried about Aries, since his sweet brother had never shown interest in anything but dancing at clubs.
Nix wasn’t ashamed for his family to know that he liked being tied up.
Evan had been teasing earlier when he’d said that it was the only way to keep Nix still. Really, Nix just liked having all of Evan’s attention on him. When he was wrapped up secure and safe in Evan’s rope, it was the most phenomenal feeling in the world. Having to rely on Evan for even his most basic needs should be weird. Instead, Evan made Nix feel like a little prince.
And no matter what Evan said, it wasn’t because Nix suffered from middle child syndrome. No! That was not what this was about. Nix loved his mom and knew that she’d done her best raising them. Nix got all the love that he could ever need! He was also aware that he was rarely the chosen one.
Aries had always been good at everything that he did. He was sweet and delightful. Gem was the reliable one. The one that would check in and even bring soup when someone was sick. Know people’s birthdays and important dates. Nix was the loud one that was usually causing chaos. He’d been told more than once that he wastoo much. How could anyone think his awesomeness was too much?
Evan didn’t think he was too much. Evan thought Nix was perfect. Okay, not perfect. That might be pushing it just an itsy-bitsy amount. And now Nix had a dragon as well.
While his Daddy continued to talk to Gem, he slid his fingers in Nix’s hair and started to scratch at Nix’s scalp. God! He loved head scratches.
Pushing his head back and closing his eyes, Nix relaxed.
“It’s amazing,” Gem said quietly.
Nix didn’t bother to open his eyes. He didn’t care who Gem was talking to.
“Is it?” Evan’s voice was just as low.
“He just sank into your touch,” Gem commented.
“Nix loves to be touched,” Evan replied after a beat of silence. “It was one of the first things that I noticed.”
Gem hummed. “I guess I never noticed it since everyone in the family does. I blame our mom.”
Evan chuckled. “No offense, but Nix is the only one I plan on touching.”
“Have you met our mom?” Gem didn’t give Evan a chance to respond. “She’ll hug you every chance she gets.”
Evan’s fingers stilled for a moment then returned to the scratches. “I’ve been warned.”
“And she’s just as nosy as the rest of us,” Gem said.
“Is this where you give me the big brother warning?” Evan didn’t sound too worried.
Nix couldn’t resist peeking at his brother. Gem was sprawled in the chair across from him. He caught Nix’s gaze and winked before grinning.
“I could do that,” Gem said. “Or you could just tell me that you’re not planning on fucking my brother over.”
There was no hesitation. “I introduced him to my dragon.”
Gem nodded.
Nix didn’t know how much his brother knew about dragons. Nix had known nothing. Not a thing. If Gem did know, then it was messed up that he hadn't shared it with Nix. But Nix didn’t know that he needed to know. So maybe it was okay. Actually it didn’t matter. Nix had his dragon now, so it had all worked out.
“Welcome to the family,” Gem said sincerely.
Closing his eyes again, Nix smiled, not caring who saw.
* * * * *
Gem
“Who are you texting?”
