Gage moves in fast, wrapping his arms around Dex’s waist, then dances out of his reach, laughing. “You know not to provoke me.”
“Fucking children,” Micah mutters under his breath.
Gage spins on his heel, facing Micah. “You want one?” he asks, holding his arms out. “Bring it in.”
“Fuck off,” Micah says, taking a step back when Gage advances on him. “Gage,” he warns.
“Come on,” Gage wiggles his fingers, arms still outstretched. “Just give in.”
Gage takes several steps forward, causing Micah to take several steps back, running right into Evander, who’s walking into the kitchen. Micah whirls around and ducks behind Evander, using him as a human shield.
“Come on, Micah,” I remark. “He just wants a hug.”
“I was deprived as a child,” Gage pouts. “Just one.”
“No. Get one from your boyfriend or Les.” Micah waves his hand from behind Evander, making Evander laugh.
Gage turns his pout on Evander. “Just one?” he asks, and if I didn’t know any better, I would think he’s genuinely upset.
Evander raises an eyebrow but opens his arms for Gage. Gage whoops and wraps his arms around him, almost knocking Evander down. I’m laughing so hard that I have tears rolling down my face. This is a typical day with Gage in this house.
Mateo and Leo round the corner to find Evander wrapped in Gage’s arms. Leo just shakes his head and walks around them. Helooks much better this morning and isn’t as pale or like he will pass out at the drop of a hat.
Leo leans back on the counter beside Dex and me. “Do I want to know?” he asks, nodding his head at Gage, stepping back from his hug.
“He was deprived as a child,” Ryder repeats with a laugh. “He was trying to get Micah.”
I kiss Leo’s cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, actually. Ryder changed the bandage this morning and said it was healing good.”
I still can’t wrap my head around Ryder being so attentive to Leo. He ensured he rested, took his pain meds, kept his bandages dry and clean, and checked on him every night and every morning. That part he doesn’t think anyone knows about.
Gage walks over and cages Leo against the counter with his arms; Leo lays his hands on Gage’s hips like it’s the most natural thing. “I took care of something else this morning.”
Leo’s face heats up, but it’s not from embarrassment. “You sure fucking did.”
I punch Gage’s arm. “Don’t do anything to rip his stitches.”
Dex laughs from his spot in front of me. “You aren’t worried that one of your boyfriends got freaky with your other boyfriend. You’re worried he could rip his stitches.”
“Priorities,” I laugh and peck Dex’s cheek. “It’s hot as fuck knowing they mess around.”
Gage rubs his arm like I actually hurt him. “I just sucked his dick.”
“Jesus Christ,” Micah throws his hands up in the air, storming from the room. “I hate every single fucking one of you!” he yells.
“I don’t see Evander and Mateo bothered by this conversation!” I yell back.
“Because they own a FUCKING SEX CLUB!” Micah yells back, getting louder with each word, then the backdoor slams.
“Fair point,” Mateo laughs. “Why is he so high-strung this morning?”
“He walked in on Dex dry-humping Les,” Holden says, stealing astrawberry from Ryder’s plate and dropping it into his mouth. Ryder fake growls and Holden just grins.
“Little shit,” Ryder chuckles affectionately. “Don’t think I won’t go in after it.”
Gage’s head whips around. “Please let me witness that.”
